Social Worker Iii - Adult Protective Services

Advanced Level Professional Social Work Services

To perform advanced level professional social work providing services in serious and complicated cases that require the flexible use of a wide range of social work skills. An employee in this class provides professional social work services to Department of Social Services clients in assigned program(s). Work is distinguished from the Social Worker II classification by the greater involvement in sensitive and traumatic situations such as custody and removal of client from homes, catastrophic and terminal illness, therapy/treatment of emotional disorders and/or family dysfunction.

Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated on the basis of knowledge and demonstrated proficiencies, compliance with legal requirements and standards, and other performance criteria.

• Provides professional social services to Department of Social Services clients in assigned program(s), which may include child protective services, adult services, foster and adoption services.
• Manages assigned caseload; maintains accurate and complete case records; accurately records services provided.
• Assesses client needs; prepares, implements and monitors care plans, making changes when necessary.
• Refers clients to other department divisions and outside agencies for services as appropriate; assists clients in accessing needed services.
• Conducts home visits to perform initial assessment, monitor progress and ensure clients are receiving necessary care and/or assistance.
• Provides client transportation as needed.
• Attends staff meetings to discuss and coordinate cases; communicates with other professionals to coordinate client care.
• Conducts case audits.
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints regarding assigned programs and projects.
• Works on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week, on a rotating basis.
• Gathers information for and prepares various reports as required by the County and/or other agencies.
• Operates a vehicle and a variety of office equipment, including a computer, printer, typewriter, copier, telephone, calculator, etc.; uses clerical and computer supplies.
• Interacts and communicates with the immediate supervisor, other County department heads and employees, clients and family members, other social service and health professionals, various outside social service / health agencies, attorneys, court personnel, law enforcement personnel, school personnel, and the general public.
• Attends meetings, training, workshops, conferences, etc., as required to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Performs intake procedures.
• Processes applications for crisis intervention funding.
• Staffs emergency shelters as necessary.
• Performs general administrative/office work as required, including attending meetings, preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, sending and receiving faxes, copying and filing documents, reviewing correspondence, answering the telephone, etc.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Investigates reports of abuse, exploitation or neglect of disabled, vulnerable adults; evaluates risk or damage to adult; photographs adults with significant bruised, scratches, welts and other marks as appropriate; arranges medical examinations as needed.
• Reports suspected or confirmed criminal offenses against adults to law enforcement officials; initiates court action when necessary.
• Assists adults / families in locating care facilities to meet their needs and in securing needed funding.
• Processes federal energy program applications; determines client eligibility.
• Investigates complaints regarding facility operations or resident care provided
• Evaluates residents' individual care plans to ensure that an adequate assessment has been completed and that the home is implementing each resident's plan.
• Verifies and evaluates medications prescribed or discontinued against the record of medications administered.
• Reviews disbursements of residents' personal funds.
• Evaluates staff-to-resident ratios for adequacy.
• Evaluates compliance with therapeutic and modified diets, minimum daily serving requirements and diet compliance.
• Contacts other professional as needed regarding care and safety issues, including Fire Marshals, environmental health specialists, pharmacists, dietitians, etc.)
• Manages guardianship cases.
• Provides representative payee services, including calculating bills, maintaining accounting records, verifying and posting financial data.

• Thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Department of Social Services as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Social Worker III.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of social work, especially in the areas of adult and child protective services, adult home care, foster / adoptive services; is able to identify client needs and to develop and implement effective plans to help meet those needs.
• Thorough knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary,…