Social Worker II (#RS3402)
$27.69-$33.66 Hourly / $4,799.72-$5,834.09 Monthly / $57,596.64-$70,009.08 Yearly

Under general supervision, provides social casework and related services to clients in a public social services program within the Human Services Agency; and does related work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3, of the Civil Service Rules.

This is the journey level in the Social Worker series. Incumbents at this level are expected to to possess basic skills that can be applied to the social services environment that have that have been gained through a bachelor's level education and work experience. Incumbents at this level may be assigned to any of the social service program areas such as In Home Supportive Services, Independent Living Program, Licensing, Linkages, Adult Protective Services, or Child Protective Services, where they may perform social casework, counseling, and related activities including case supervision, with some independent judgment and authority. The specific duties and assignments given to an incumbent may vary depending upon area of assignment.

This class is distinguished from Social Worker I in that the Social Worker I is the entry level where emphasis is placed on training and learning methods, procedures, and policies; providing basic social casework; and working under close supervision. Furthermore, Social Worker I positions assigned to protective services may have a reduced number of cases of lesser complexity. This class is also distinguished from the Social Worker III in that a Social Worker III is expected to apply experience gained to perform casework and related duties with a higher degree of independent judgment and authority than a Social Worker II. Furthermore, Social Worker III positions are only found in designated programs such as protective services and the Multipurpose Senior Services Program.

• Supervises a caseload for clients requiring social services.
• Interviews clients in their homes, in the office, or via telephone to assess their needs and problems; evaluates individual and family case information; determines appropriate types and methods of treatment; initiates long- or short-term treatment plans; makes referrals to other agencies, organizations, or divisions within the department when appropriate; works with service providers to meet client needs; and advocates on behalf of clients.
• Researches, evaluates, develops, and carries out, in cooperation with the client, financial and basic social treatment plans; assesses and evaluates progress in case plan.
• Makes home visits to assess housing and health conditions and family relationships; refers cases of suspected abuse and/or neglect to appropriate unit.
• Investigates referrals and provides services to clients where their physical or emotional welfare is involved; provides services for individuals incapable of protecting themselves.
• Coordinates service plans with supervisor, eligibility workers, service providers, and other agencies.
• Prepares case records, reports, and correspondence, including documents for the Courts, and maintains appropriate controls; utilizes computer systems to input and retrieve information related to social service cases.
• Interprets and communicates policies, rules, and regulations of the department to clients, service providers, and the general public within the scope of responsibility; confers with supervisor regarding caseload problems.
• Attends court proceedings and testifies in court.
• Arranges for guardianship or conservatorship of clients.
• Recruits and evaluates foster homes, boarding homes, and daycare facilities and recommends for licensing.

EITHER PATTERN I

Experience:   One (1) year in the classification of Social Worker I in San Joaquin County.

OR PATTERN II

Education:  Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, preferably with a major in social work, sociology, psychology, counseling or a closely related field. 

Experience:  One (1) year of paid post bachelor’s full time social casework experience at a level comparable to Social Worker I in San Joaquin County. 

AND

License:   Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

Special Requirement:  Incumbents assigned to the Linkages program must possess a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field.

Principles and techniques of interviewing and recording in social service work; functions of public social service agencies; the laws, rules, regulations, and the various social and economic conditions affecting the work of public social services agencies; community resources available to clients; current problems and methods of approach in the field of public social service; basic principles of individual and group behavior; principles of problem-solving methodology; personal computer systems; and principles of report writing.

Demonstrate skill in casework methods and practices; demonstrate skill in the use of community resources; interpret to the applicant, client, or others the public social service program as set forth in laws, rules and regulations; speak and write effectively; operate a personal computer and other office equipment; organize and maintain work detail; write clear and concise reports; analyze and evaluate situations; establish rapport with clients on an individual basis; make independent decisions; utilize supervision in achieving agency goals; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; perform job duties under stressful conditions; and maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or county regulations.

Mobility-Frequent operation of computers; repetitive motion; sitting for extended periods; walking; frequent driving may be required; Lifting-Ability to frequently lift 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 60 pounds; Vision-Constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Dexterity-Normal dexterity with frequent writing and repetitive motions; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing and talking on the telephone and in person; Emotional/Psychological-Constant public contact; decision making and concentration; frequently working alone; exposure to trauma, grief and death; occasional exposure to noise; emergency situations; Special Requirements-Some assignments may require occasional weekends/nights, overtime, and travel.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.