Social Worker Advanced - Family and Children's Services

Social Worker Advanced - Family and Children's Services

County of Mendocino, CA

Under direction, provides advanced social work including investigations, assessments, and case management of complex child welfare cases. Works independently to support families through assessment, service linkage, ongoing case management, and reunification efforts. Requires on‑call and call‑back capability.

Hourly salary ranges:

• Social Worker Advanced - FCS: $36.62 - $44.51
• Social Worker Advanced - FCS (Registered): $38.47 - $46.76
• Social Worker Advanced - FCS (Licensed): $40.34 - $49.03

• Available vacancies in Ukiah and Willits.
• Eligible for 10% premium for Social Worker Associates, Workers and Supervisors in Family and Children’s Services; 5% premium for coastal region or Covelo assignments.
• Must be registered or licensed in California; license must be obtained within six years of registration.

• Receive reports of child abuse; investigate allegations via interviews with victims and others.
• Conduct forensic interviews with children; collaborate within investigative teams; provide testimony to courts.
• Maintain on‑call and call‑back availability for after‑hours emergencies and high‑risk crises.
• Perform advanced safety and risk assessments; determine child removal or protective custody needs; prepare warrant applications and recommend emergency placements.
• Manage a complex caseload of high‑risk families with severe developmental or mental health needs, co‑occurring disorders, multi‑family structures, or court mandates.
• Communicate policies, rules, and regulations to clients and others.
• Coordinate and arrange transportation for clients for visitation or mandatory services.
• Develop comprehensive treatment, case, and safety plans with multiple service providers.
• Provide services and referrals to community resources for direct and intensive services.
• Facilitate child and family team meetings; administer validated instruments and assessments for risk and safety decisions.
• Explain laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to clients; communicate decisions, recommendations, timelines, safety plans, and case plans.
• Ensure services are delivered respectfully, culturally sensitively, and in accordance with department guidelines.
• Maintain detailed documentation and timely electronic records; assist with peer reviews.
• Demonstrate courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with clients, visitors, and employees.
• Follow Tribal Consultation policy, ICWA rules, and best practices.
• Maintain confidentiality per legal standards and County regulations; adhere to NASW Code of Ethics.
• Advocate on behalf of clients for services, assist with paperwork, and accompany clients to appointments.
• Provide self‑help information, education, and services; develop caregiving and independent living skills.
• Assess home and family situations to determine need for crisis intervention or safety plan.
• Utilize community resources to meet clients’ needs.
• Make home visits related to casework assignments.
• Participate in training, mentoring programs, or field‑based coaching for new social workers.
• Employ crisis intervention techniques and develop placement stabilization plans.
• Clinicians working toward licensure: participate in supervision, maintain documentation of supervised hours, and provide services under supervision.
• Fully licensed clinicians: provide clinical consultation, mentorship, and supervision to staff and supervises.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Promoted without recruitment to the appropriate level upon attainment and submission of proof of a valid registration or license issued by the State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Required proof of a valid State of California license must be submitted within six (6) years following registration as an associate.

A master’s degree in social welfare, social work, human services, sociology, or related field; plus two (2) years of case management experience.

• Valid driver’s license.
• Valid associate registration (ACSW, AMFT, APCC).
• Valid license (LCSW, LMFT, LPCC).