Assistant Social Worker​/Social Worker

Shasta County Public Defender's Office

The current vacancy is in the Shasta County Public Defender's Office. Oral exam is tentatively scheduled for September 2026. Responses to supplemental questions required. Final filing date:
September 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

Salary information:

Assistant Social Worker: $4,024-$5,136 MONTHLY* / $23.21-$29.63 HOURLY*

Social Worker: $4,659-$5,946 MONTHLY* / $26.88-$34.30 HOURLY*

This position is in the UPEC Professional bargaining unit. Please refer to the applicable bargaining unit labor agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) for potential future salary increases:
Shasta County Labor Agreements.

The salary range consists of six (6) salary steps, with approximately 5% between each step. Newly hired employees are appointed at Step A of the assigned salary range. Employees are eligible for a merit-based salary increase from Step A to Step B after six months of satisfactory service. Thereafter, employees may be eligible for annual merit-based step increases, beginning one year from the Step B effective date, until they reach the top step of the salary range.

About the position:

Assistant Social Worker:
Under direction, provides support to justice-involved clients by assessing basic social service needs, conducting initial social studies, identifying barriers to stability and successful case outcomes, and connecting clients with appropriate community resources. Provides limited casework services and assists Social Workers and attorneys with service coordination, documentation, and client support. Performs related duties as required.

Social Worker:
Under direction, provides social services to justice-involved clients by conducting comprehensive social assessments, developing individualized service plans, and coordinating treatment, diversion, and other supportive services. Provides information regarding available resources and facilitates referrals to appropriate community providers and human service agencies. Works collaboratively with Public Defender attorneys, clients, treatment providers, and community partners to address client needs and support successful case outcomes.

Performs related duties as required.

Distinguishing characteristics:

Assistant Social Worker:
The Assistant Social Worker is the trainee classification in the professional Social Worker series. Within the Public Defender's Office, the position provides an opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in working with justice-involved individuals, including client assessment, resource coordination, treatment and diversion services, and collaboration with attorneys and community providers.

Social Worker:
The Social Worker is the full journey-level classification in the professional Social Worker series. Within the Public Defender's Office, the Social Worker independently manages a caseload and provides social work services to justice-involved clients with a range of needs and case complexities.

Who we are looking for:

The ideal candidate is a compassionate, motivated professional who is committed to serving justice-involved individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, and other barriers to stability. They will have strong communication and organizational skills, an interest in behavioral health and community resources, and the ability to work collaboratively with clients, attorneys, treatment providers, and justice system partners.

Public Defender
- Who we are:

For over 20 years the Shasta County Public Defender's Office has provided representation to those who are unable to afford an attorney. Our mission is to provide compassionate, holistic defense to those in need, ensuring that every client receives comprehensive legal representation tailored to their unique experiences, goals, and…