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

Overview

Under general direction, provides skilled social work services to cases requiring maximum service, and involving a variety of complex social problems and treatment plans.

Social Worker III positions in the Social Services Agency, Department of Family and Children’s Services work in a variety of assignments connected to child safety, well-being, and permanency. The Social Worker III duties may include: receiving and making reports of alleged child abuse and/or neglect; assessing and investigating allegations of abuse and/or neglect; developing appropriate interventions, providing referrals for services, and monitoring services for children and parents;

removing children from unsafe environments; providing case management services; preparing documentation, case plans, safety plans, Court Reports, and other legal documents; providing testimony in Court; assessing and evaluating potential caregivers; placing children into appropriate homes; conducting home visits with children, caregivers, and parents; and assessing and addressing issues specific to the children and families circumstances such as substance abuse, intimate partner violence, mental health issues, sexual abuse, parenting, developmental issues, immigration, and psycho-social-emotional-behavioral issues.

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. The Department of Family and Children’s Services seeks individuals with language abilities in Vietnamese, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, ASL, among others. If you speak a second language fluently, please specify that on your application. The ability to speak fluently in the chosen language will be tested. Candidate must take and pass the required Level II language fluency examination for the specified language skill on your application.

CANDIDATES HIRED MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A SIGN-ON BONUS, UP TO $5,000. A new hire into a position with the Social Services Agency in the classification of Social Worker II or Social Worker III, assigned to any shift, may be eligible to receive a sign-on bonus of up to $5,000 (subject to discontinuation at any time).

In addition to the sign-on bonus, this classification is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following dates:
Effective June 23, 2025 - 4.00% increase;
Effective June 22, 2026 - 4.00% increase.

Additional benefits include: paid differentials (e.g., bilingual, assignment) may be given to a hired applicant. DFCS Social Worker III assigned to Emergency Response receive a 9% differential above the base salary plan; all other DFCS Social Worker III receive a 6% differential above the base salary plan.

Possession of a Master’s degree in Social Work may be required for specific programs. Master’s degree in Social Work preferred or possession of a Master’s Degree in Behavioral Science, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Psychology, Social Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation or equivalent titles to the above degree from an accredited college. Three (3) years of social work experience, of which two (2) years are equivalent to a Social Worker II in Santa Clara County, or possession of a Master’s Degree in Social Work as a Title IVE student with two (2) years of experience equivalent to the classification of a Social Worker II in Santa Clara County.

Master’s degree in Social Work may be required by statute for certain positions. Possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver’s permit.

Knowledge of:

• Differential casework treatment techniques;
• Various personality and behavior theories;
• Family systems;
• Effect of one’s own personal attitudes and biases on the casework process;
• Principles, objectives, methods and techniques of social work;
• Individual and group behavior, child development, family relationships and dynamics;
• Human growth and development;
• Bio-psycho-socio-economic factors affecting individuals and families;
• Interviewing, investigative and intervention techniques;
• Effective methods for handling emotional, irate or distressed people;
• Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet and/or…