Children's Social Services Practitioner III

Overview

This recruitment will establish a candidate pool of qualified competitive applicants and will be used to fill future vacancies as they become available with the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS).

Applications to this posting will be valid for up to 180 days. As positions become available, the recruiter will review applications and refer applicants should they meet the department's requirements. Due to the nature and volume of this recruitment you will only receive correspondence if you are referred for an interview or when the event is complete.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST UPLOAD A COPY OF THEIR OFFICIAL AND/OR UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS OF THEIR COMPLETED DEGREE AT AN ACCREDITED COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY.

All applicants for positions at Harmony Haven Children’s and Youth Center must meet the age requirement of at least 21 years of age as required by the Transitional Shelter Care Facility Operating Standards by the California Department of Social Services. Applicants who are under 21 years of age are not eligible for positions within Harmony Haven, but may be eligible for positions in other divisions or departments.

The County of Riverside's Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) seeks multiple Children  Social Services Practitioner III positions throughout Riverside County (Western, Southern, Mid-County, and Desert Regions including Blythe, CA) for the Children  Services Division (CSD). Frequent driving may be required for all positions. Competitive candidates will be referred to the department on an ongoing basis.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Excellent interpersonal skills when working with diverse clients of various ages, socio-economic backgrounds, cultures, and mental/physical capabilities
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with other professionals in order to meet the needs of shared clients and promote quality care, safety, and well-being
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge and ability to learn and apply complex laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to clients
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, organizational, and time management skills
• Tech-savvy skills and the ability to learn and use specialized case management software programs

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Opportunity to compassionately support children, elders/dependent adults and families
• It  more than a desk job - travel throughout the vast County of Riverside to meet with clients and community partners
• Work and network with dedicated professionals who share a passion for public service
• Career growth and upward mobility within the department
• Supportive and respectful working environment that values work-life balance

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Fast-paced environment
• Meeting mandated deadlines
• The need for documentation and technical writing
• Identifying ways to navigate social service delivery with limited resources while meeting clients  identified goals and needs

About the Children  Services Division (CSD):

Social Services Practitioners may be assigned to various programs within Children  Services. Those programs include Investigative and Continuing Services, Extended Foster Care Program (EFC), Command Post, Group Home, Adoptions, or the Resource Family Approval (RFA). Investigative Services and Command Post conduct investigation of child abuse/neglect referrals made within the Riverside County. Continuing Services provide support in continuing services with the goal of reunification.

Extended Foster Care completes assessments, develops transitional plans, and provides resources for youth 16 and older, preparing them to emancipate from foster care. The Resource Family Approval conducts home assessments, background checks, and family evaluations to ensure that prospective relatives/non-related extended family members (NREFM) requesting placement meet standards in accordance with State regulations. Future SSP IIIs in the CSD (only) may be eligible for DPSS exciting programs that include the Retention Program and Educational and Career Assistance Programs.

All Programs are great opportunities for professional growth and knowledge. Learn more below:

• Retention Program:
  All NEWLY hired incumbents and CURRENT employees with less than 10,400 hours of service are eligible for the Retention Bonus Program upon hire! Eligibility is based upon Hours of Service Completed.
• Education Support Program: DPSS employees eligible for the ESP may receive up to $5,250.00 per year for a period of two years of lifetime maximum of $10,500. ESP programs include Career Counseling, Career Assessment, College partners Tuition Discount information and possible textbook and tuition reimbursement options. Interested and Eligible candidates will receive a Career Development Plan (CDP) that includes tuition and textbook funding, either by DPSS or Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• 20/20 Program:
  The 20/20 program is designed to assist Social Services Practitioner IIIs who are students completing a…