Social Worker III

Overview

Under general direction, the Social Worker III carries a difficult caseload involving the determination of need for basic social services functions for applicants or clients; performs social studies and assignments involving individualized treatment and specialized application of casework methods and skills; provides comprehensive casework services of a tangible nature; and performs other related work as assigned. Social Worker III is the advanced journey level in the Social Worker series.

Incumbents are normally assigned a selected caseload of the more difficult cases and when needed are given supervisory consultation in development of treatment plans. They may also be assigned to a specialized function requiring a high degree of perception such as a special problem caseload or a geographic or functional area such as Court Investigations, Family Maintenance/Reunification, Emergency Response, Child/Adult Protection, or Foster Care.

A Social Worker III may act as a lead worker to other social service workers and is expected to work independently. It differs from Social Worker II in that it involves more difficult assignments requiring greater skill and depth of job knowledge in assessing problems and formulating plans for services.