Social Worker III – Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS)

Industry: Social Services Agency – DFCS

Company: County of Santa Clara, CA

Salary : $102,521.12 – $124,049.12 Annually

Location : Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 24-Y3C-R

Department: Social Services Agency – DFCS

Opening Date: 12/06/2024

Closing Date: 12/19/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit: 17

Description

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.

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 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.

Possession of a Masters’s degree in Social Work may be required for specific programs.
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Learn more about Social Services Agency

Typical Tasks

• Receives assignments requiring specialized and/or intensive casework where cases are likely to involve emotional difficulties and chronic adjustment problems in departments;
• Investigates allegations of abuse and neglect of dependent and elder adults when assigned to Adult Protective Services (APS); investigates allegations of abuse and neglect of minors, often under time constrains, and determines if removal of the child from the home is necessary when assigned to DFCS;
• Manages a caseload accountably;
• Evaluates client problems, develops complete treatment plans and follows each case through to solution;
• Develops case plans, court reports and associate legal documents;
• Testifies in court and responds to inquiries regarding court action;
• Conducts field visits and evaluates compliance with court orders;
• Consults, refers cases, and works actively with other agencies and community groups, legal and medical professionals;
• Establishes and maintains effective case work relationships;
• Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing;
• Prepares case records, documents, reports and correspondence in a timely manner, as required;
• Interprets rules, regulations, policies and programs to clients and the public;
• Acts as a resource specialist;
• Knows and maintains listing of community resources and assists clients to utilize community resources;
• May be required to testify in administrative hearings;
• Knows and assists in developing community resources and uses them appropriately;
• Transports clients in county, out of county, out of state and out of country if necessary;
• Acts as a resource specialist;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Services Worker, as required;
• Performs related work as required.

When assigned to DFCS:

• Determines degree of danger and risk of future abuse and neglect and evaluates child’s and family’s needs for services;
• Recruits applicants for foster care and adoption;
• Evaluates the suitability of adoptive and foster placements and finalizes adoptions.

Employment Standards

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 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, objective, 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 database.
• Community organization and resources;
• Rules and regulations relating to public social service agencies and protective services for adults and children.

Ability to:

• Apply comprehensive integrated knowledge of all phases of social work treatment for predictable results;
• Use self with a very high level or skill in all professional relationships;
• Engage the client in the problem solving process;
• Establish and maintain an effective casework relationship with clients;
• Work cooperatively with co-workers, other agencies and the public;
• Receive and provide consultation;
• Interpret complex laws and regulations to clients and the public;
• Prepare and present written and oral reports;
• Manage a caseload in a timely and effective manner;
• Interprets complex laws and regulations to clients and public;
• Interview effectively;
• Work in an environment that requires knowledge of and respect for family’s cultural values;
• Assess and apply intervention techniques to adults, children, adolescents and / or families;
• Utilize a wide range of social work techniques and community resources.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector’s 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family’s long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.

01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to evaluate against the employment standards. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of “see resume” or “see application” will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment
d) Total hours worked per week
e) Description of task(s) performedDo you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?

• Yes
• No

02

What is your Santa Clara County Employee ID number? If you do not have a Santa Clara County Employee ID number, type N/A.

03

Are you a Social Services Agency work study program recipient?

• Yes
• No

04

Please select the field in which you have obtained a Master’s Degree or will obtain a Master’s Degree by December 31, 2024.Must attach a letter in good standing to graduate by December 31, 2024. If you have not already graduated.

• Social Work
• Social Work Title IV-E Program
• Behavioral Science
• Counseling
• Education Counseling
• Gerontology
• Marriage and Family Therapy
• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Nursing
• Equivalent Field
• None

05

If you selected Equivalent Field in the above question for a Master’s Degree, please identify the field, if you did not select that option, enter N/A.

06

Do you have social work experience working with children, youth, and families?

• Yes
• No

07

If you answered “yes” to the above question for social work experience working with children, youth, and families, please select the amount of social work experience you have working with children, youth, and families. Internships do not count toward the social work experience.

• No experience
• Less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

08

Describe your social work experience working with children, youth, and families. Include how you provided social work assessment and intervention to meet the needs of this population.Provide the name of employer, job title, dates of employment, and number of hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of experience, state None.

09

Do you have social work experience working with casework assignment?

• Yes
• No

10

If you answered “yes” to the above question on social work experience working with casework assignment, please select the amount of experience you possess.

• No experience
• Less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

11

Describe your social work experience working with casework assignment. Provide the name of employer, job title, dates of employment, and hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of experience, state None.

12

Do you have social work experience managing multiple caseloads involving court involvement and deadlines in a timely and productive manner?

• Yes
• No

13

If you answered “yes” to the above question on social work experience managing multiple caseloads involving court involvement and deadlines, please select the amount of social work experience managing multiple caseloads involving court involvement and deadlines.

• No experience
• Less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

14

Describe your social work experience managing multiple caseloads involving court involvement and deadlines in a timely and productive manner.Provide the name of employer, job title, dates of employment, and number of hours worked. If you do not possess this type of experience, state None.

15

Do you have community outreach social work experience and knowledge of the resources available to children, youth, and families at risk of abuse and neglect?

• Yes
• No

16

If you answered “yes” to the above question on community outreach social work experience, please select the amount of experience you possess.

• No experience
• Less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

17

Describe your community outreach social work experience and knowledge of the resources available to children, youth, and families at risk of abuse and neglect.Provide the name of employer, job title, dates of employment, and hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of experience and knowledge, state None.

18

Describe your training and/or education related to working with children, youth, and families at risk of abuse and neglect or who have experienced trauma. If you do not have this type of experience, state None.

19

Describe your experience with public speaking. If you do not possess this type of experience, state None.

20

Please select the language in which you speak, read, write fluently. If you select other, you may list the language on the following question. If you do NOT speak a second language, or if you speak a second language, but wish to be referred for Monolingual (English) only, select None.Note: Language fluency certification is required when filtered for specific language referrals.Check all that apply:

• Arabic
• American
• Cambodian
• Chinese
• Hindi
• Hmong
• Japanese
• Korean
• Persian
• Punjabi
• Russian
• Spanish
• Tagalog
• Thai
• Vietnamese
• Mandarin
• Cantonese
• Other (Identify language in question below)
• None

21

If you selected the Other option in the question above, please identify the language in which you speak, read and/or write fluently.Note: Language fluency certification is required when filtered for specific language referrals.

22

Please select the alternate work schedule(s) you are willing to work.

• Monday – Friday, 9am – 6 pm
• Monday – Friday, 10am – 7 pm
• Monday – Friday, 12 pm – 9 pm
• Monday – Friday, 1pm – 10pm
• Monday – Tuesday, 10am – 9pm and Saturday, Sunday 8am – 7pm (4/10 schedule)
• Wednesday – Saturday, 7:30am – 6:30pm (4/10 schedule)
• Wednesday – Saturday, 10am – 9pm (4/10 schedule)
• Wednesday – Saturday, 11am – 10 pm (4/10 schedule)
• Wednesday – Sunday overnight, 9pm – 8 am (4/10 schedule)
• Sunday – Thursday overnight, 9pm – 8 am (4/10 schedule)
• Sunday – Wednesday, 7:30 am – 6 pm (4/10 schedule)
• Sunday – Wednesday, 10 am – 9pm (4/10 schedule)
• Sunday – Wednesday, 11am – 10 pm (4/10 schedule)

23

How did you find out about this job?

• Contacted by County Recruiter
• Contacted by a Recruitment Firm
• County Employee Referral
• County of Santa Clara Career Website
• County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Virtual Job Fair
• In Person Job Fair
• In-Person Networking Professional Event
• Virtual Networking Event
• Community Event
• Glassdoor
• Governmentjobs.com
• Professional Association
• Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
• Hospital Website: SCVMC, O’Connor Hospital, St. Louise Regional Hospital Website
• Handshake
• Student Career Center
• County Text Message
• Other (Specify in the next question)

24

If you selected an event/fair or other in the question above. Please specify. If not, type n/a.

Required Question