Social Worker II - Department of Family and Children Services; DFCS

Social Worker II – Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS)

Under general supervision, assesses client needs and develops treatment plans in a variety of social service functions.

• Receive and make reports of alleged child abuse and/or neglect.
• Conduct investigations and assessments of allegations of abuse/neglect.
• Develop appropriate interventions and provide referrals for services.
• Monitor services for children and parents, and evaluate compliance with court orders.
• Remove children from unsafe environments when necessary.
• Provide case management services, including preparing case plans, safety plans, court reports, and other legal documents.
• Testify in court and respond to inquiries regarding court actions.
• Assess and evaluate potential caregivers and place children into appropriate homes.
• Conduct home visits with children, caregivers, and parents.
• Address issues specific to the child’s and family’s circumstances such as substance abuse, intimate partner violence, mental health issues, sexual abuse, parenting, developmental issues, immigration, and psycho-social‑emotional‑behavioral issues.
• Negotiate and advocate for resources in the community to support clients.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and collaborative case reviews.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records and documentation.
• Perform related work as assigned by supervisory staff, including disaster response duties when required.

• Receive and manage caseloads across Adult Protective Services, Cal Works Employment Services, SSI Advocacy, In‑Home Supportive Services, and DFCS programs.
• Investigate allegations of abuse of dependent and elder adults and minors, determining eligibility for removal or placement.
• Develop treatment plans, court reports, and associate legal documents; evaluate compliance with court orders.
• Testify in court and administrative hearings as required.
• Recruit applicants for foster care and adoption; evaluate suitability of placements.
• Conduct field visits, assess safety, and ensure compliance with family protective orders.
• Assist with community resource referrals and ongoing support for clients.
• Transport clients as needed to county, out‑of‑county, or international destinations.
• Serve as a Disaster Service Worker when assigned.

• Evaluate yearly service needs based on Medicare, SSI eligibility.
• Conduct field visits for yearly reevaluations of client service needs.
• Consult and refer cases in collaboration with community agencies and fair hearing officers.
• Visit hospitals, nursing homes, and community care facilities as required.

• Determine degree of danger and risk of future abuse and evaluate child and family needs.
• Recruit, evaluate, and finalize foster care and adoption placements.

• Possession of a Master’s degree in Social Work preferred; for certain positions, a Master’s is required.
• Two (2) years of social work experience OR four (4) years of social work experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (or equivalent).
• Graduate training at an approved school of social work or related field may substitute for experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
• Valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain a County Driver’s permit.

• Principles, objectives, and techniques of social work.
• Differential casework treatment techniques.
• Personality and behavior theories.
• Family systems and individual/group behavior.
• Human growth, development, and family relationships.
• Bio‑psycho‑socio‑economic factors.
• Community organization and resources.
• Relevant rules, regulations, and public social service agency policies.
• Impact of personal attitudes and biases on casework.
• Interrogation, investigation, and intervention techniques.
• Effective handling of emotional, irate, or distressed individuals.
• Computer applications (word processing, spreadsheets, databases).

• Establish and maintain productive casework relationships with clients.
• Collaborate effectively with co‑workers, agencies, and the public.
• Receive and respond to consultation.
• Interpret complex laws and regulations for clients and the public.
• Prepare and present written and…