Social Worker III​/IV

Social Worker III/IV

Have you always had a passion for helping others? Do you enjoy being actively involved in helping families achieve positive outcomes that make their lives better? Then Colusa County Department of Health and Human Services is the place for you! We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Social Worker III/IV with a specific duty assignment in Resource Family Approval (RFA) within Child Protective Services (CPS).

We are the largest Department in the County, with over 80 staff. Our agency works with Colusa County residents in administering social services programs, including Cal Works, Cal-Fresh, Medi-Cal, In-home Supportive Services (IHSS), Adult and Children's Services, Public Health, and Housing. Within Child Protective Services, our team works to promote the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families in our community.

We work closely with resource families, caregivers, community organizations, schools, law enforcement, courts, and other service providers to support children and families.

Our agency has a strong leadership team that provides ongoing support for daily operations and assists our employees in reaching their full potential. Colusa County Social Services is committed to a collaborative, professional, and family-centered approach to child welfare. If you're interested, check out the job description pages HERE.

There is one position available that may be filled at any level, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. This recruitment will fill current vacancy and establish an eligibility list for future openings, eliminating the need for reposting.

What's this Job All About?

The Social Worker III/IV provides professional social services to individuals and families experiencing complex challenges affecting safety, stability, and overall functioning. Incumbents conduct thorough assessments, develop and implement tailored treatment or service plans, and provide counseling and interventions to address issues such as abuse, neglect, family conflict, medical or behavioral concerns, and environmental stressors.

For this specific duty assignment, the Social Worker will work within Resource Family Approval (RFA) in Child Protective Services. An RFA Social Worker recruits, assesses, and supports individuals and families seeking approval to provide care for children in the foster care system. The position conducts interviews, home assessments, background and safety reviews, and evaluates each family's ability to meet the needs of children placed in their care.

The Social Worker provides guidance, training, and ongoing support to resource families throughout the approval process and beyond. The position works closely with CPS staff and community partners, completes required documentation, and helps ensure that placements promote the safety, stability, and well-being of children. This role provides an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with families while helping children find safe and stable homes.

Social Workers at these levels manage difficult caseloads with significant independence and may serve as a resource or consultant to less experienced staff. Duties include conducting interviews and home visits, interpreting policies and regulations for clients, coordinating and advocating for access to community and county resources, and maintaining detailed case records in accordance with legal and departmental standards.

Social Worker IVs perform the most advanced casework, including intensive long- or short-term treatment, specialized counseling, and investigations involving high-risk child, elder, or dependent adult situations. Social Worker IIIs handle complex case assignments requiring technical competence and may provide lead guidance to other workers.

Across both levels, strong analytical skills, sound judgment, effective communication, and the ability to work with diverse and vulnerable populations are essential for ensuring client safety, promoting well-being, and supporting long-term stability. For an RFA Social Worker, these skills are especially important when assessing families, providing support and guidance, and helping ensure children are placed in safe, stable, and supportive homes.

At the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), we work a 37.5-hour full-time work week, with the option of a flex-schedule. The County is also currently exploring remote work options of 1–2 days per week, depending on the position, upon completion of the probation period. This allows our staff to find a work-life balance that best fits their needs.

Embracing the Colusa County Work Culture Working for Colusa County offers a unique work lifestyle that blends professional fulfillment with the tranquility of working in a rural and beautiful environment. Our county agencies take pride in our ability to work as a team, creating a collaborative and positive work environment where everyone has something to contribute, and everyone matters! Within Child…