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

Social Worker III

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 continues to serve the diverse population of the county and is strongly looking for 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 (i.e., ability to speak, read and write) for the specified language skill on your application. Candidates hired may be eligible to receive a sign-on bonus, up to $5,000.

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 Masters's degree in Social Work may be required for specific programs.

Typical tasks include: receiving assignments requiring specialized and/or intensive casework where cases are likely to involve emotional difficulties and chronic adjustment problems in departments; investigating allegations of abuse and neglect of dependent and elder adults when assigned to Adult Protective Services (APS); investigating allegations of abuse and neglect of minors, often under time constrains, and determining if removal of the child from the home is necessary when assigned to DFCS;

managing a caseload accountably; evaluating client problems, developing complete treatment plans and following each case through to solution; developing case plans, court reports and associate legal documents; testifying in court and responding to inquiries regarding court action; conducting field visits and evaluating compliance with court orders; consulting, referring cases, and working actively with other agencies and community groups, legal and medical professionals;

establishing and maintaining effective case work relationships; communicating effectively both verbally and in writing; preparing case records, documents, reports and correspondence in a timely manner, as required; interpreting rules, regulations, policies and programs to clients and the public; acting as a resource specialist; knowing and maintaining listing of community resources and assisting clients to utilize community resources; may be required to testify in administrative hearings;

knowing and assisting in developing community resources and uses them appropriately; transporting clients in county, out of county, out of state and out of country if necessary; performing related work as required. When assigned to DFCS: determining degree of danger and risk of future abuse and neglect and evaluating child's and family's needs for services; recruiting applicants for foster care and adoption;

evaluating the suitability of adoptive and foster placements and finalizing adoptions.

Employment standards include: possession of a 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. AND 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 AND Two (2) years of experience equivalent to the classification of a Social Worker II in Santa…