Adult & Aging Social Service Worker IV
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, this includes a Master's Degree in Social Work, or a Master's Degree from a two-year counseling program;
OR
Graduation from college, with a degree in social work, sociology, psychology or other behavioral science; and three years of progressively responsible experience providing social services including two years of professional experience equivalent to the county’s Social Service Worker III level;
OR
Academic coursework at a college or university in social work, psychology, sociology, and other behavior sciences; and six years of progressively responsible experience providing social services, at least three of which were at a level of Social Service Worker III would provide such opportunity.
Special Requirement: Some positions may require a Master’s degree in Social Work per State regulations.
License: Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of: the principles and application of the psychology of individual and group behavior, community services, and social work methods; social casework goals, principles, and methods; the intent and appropriate application of laws, rules, regulations, and policies governing operation of public social service agencies; physical and mental illness and their impact on personality and functioning; socioeconomic factors which affect daily stability; conflict resolution and family dynamics; current philosophy and social work practices in the field of assignment; standards for maintaining client’s safety; options for higher level of care.
Working knowledge of: problem solving and counseling techniques; strategies and protocols surrounding risk assessment, harm reduction, trauma informed care, and crisis intervention techniques; effective methods for handling emotional, irate, or distressed people; signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug use/abuse; principles and practices of workload and time management; community organizations and resources; housing and cultural barriers and resources; the intent and appropriate application of laws, rules, regulations, and policies governing the operation and function of public social service agencies.
Ability to: use social work methods and evaluation; apply crisis intervention and therapeutic social work counseling techniques; communicate effectively with others in writing, in person, and over the telephone; interact professionally and respectfully with clients including difficult, hostile, distressed, or mentally unstable clients/relatives; analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action; perform job duties under stressful conditions; maintain confidentiality of files and records; make home visits to clients’ residences which may be unsanitary or unsafe; work constructively within an agency and community setting; effectively use consultative supervision resources and services; control personal bias and apply social work ethics; keep records and prepare records; identify and utilize community resources; learn and use various computer applications and programs.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
- Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
- You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application and should be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
- You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
- Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.