Family, Youth & Children Social Worker IV - English and Bilingual (English/Spanish)



Job Details

Family, Youth & Children Social Worker IV - English and Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Employer

County of Sonoma (CA)

Salary

$65,681.67 - $79,811.47 Annually

Location

Santa Rosa, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

18/04-3004-FYCR&B

Department

Human Services Department

Division

HSD - Program Administration (5901)

Opening Date

04/13/2018

Closing Date

Continuous

Position Information

Make a difference in a child's life by becoming a Social Worker IV!
Title IV-E students graduating in May/June are encouraged to apply!

Starting Salary Up To $38.24/Hr. ($79,811.47/Yr.)*
An additional $1.15/Hr. on top of the hourly pay rate for bilingual positions.
 
What Makes Sonoma County Human Services a Great Choice

The Family, Youth & Children Division provides exemplary training and mentoring, resulting in a strong learning environment.  The department provides its employees cost-free supervision for licensure hours after successful completion of the CORE training and passing probation.

We believe in the merits of work/life balance and enjoy flexible work schedules, as well as the satisfaction of knowing that our work contributes to the betterment of our community.

In addition to generous starting pay, expansive opportunities for growth and development, being part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and continuous training and education, you can look forward to some excellent benefits*, including:
  • A cash allowance of approximately $600 per month ($600 cash allowance + the maximum salary step = approximately $7,250.96 per month)
  • An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance up to $500
  • Callback – Emergency Response Program pay
  • Competitive vacation accruals, 11 holidays per year, and accommodating sick leave accruals
  • A choice of health plans, with a County contribution toward the premium
  • A County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
  • A defined benefit retirement plan fully integrated with Social Security
*Salary is negotiable, commensurate with experience and requirements. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

About Bilingual Positions

Bilingual premium pay is an additional $1.15 cents per hour on top of the hourly pay rate. The Bilingual positions require English and Spanish skills at the fluent (conversational, reading, and writing) level. In order to be considered for bilingual assignments, applicants must indicate their skill level on their application and in their response to the required supplemental questionnaire. A bilingual examination will be conducted prior to employment to confirm level of skill. The bilingual premium pay begins after completion of the training period and upon the assignment of a bilingual caseload.

About the Position

Social Worker IVs in the Family, Youth & Children Division may be assigned to one or more programs within the division and may work from any of the division offices, including the various regional offices located in the County.  The division provides an array of protective, regulatory, preventative, and placement services, including but not limited to:
  • Working closely with families and children to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect
  • Assessing client and family strengths and needs to develop and monitor parents' compliance with treatment case plans
  • Making services available to intact families to assist in the remediation of existing problems
  • Filing petitions and other legal documents with the Juvenile Court to remove abused or neglected children from parental care
  • Offering reunification services to parents whose children have been removed from their care
  • Arranging permanent homes for children who have been removed from and cannot return to parental care via adoption, guardianship, or foster care
  • Collaborating with attorneys, the Juvenile Court, service providers, tribal representatives, and foster care providers
Ideal candidates will possess a Master's Degree in Social Work, Child Development, or a related field, and have experience working with youth and children.

The Civil Service title for this position is Social Service Worker IV.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill multiple positions in the Family, Youth, and Children Division of the Human Services Department.  The employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, and extra-help (temporary or intermittent) positions as they occur during the active status of the list.  County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
 
About the Family, Youth and Children's Services Division (FYC)

FYC staff members help individuals, families and the community ensure the safety and well-being of Sonoma County children and teens.  Professionals investigate reports of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment and, when needed, provide compassionate care with foster parents or group homes.  At-risk children and their families are supported through referral to social services that help their homes be safe, stable, nurturing places.  Staff respond to reports of abuse and neglect day or night through the 24-hour hotline.  FYC staff members also train the community about child abuse prevention and mandated reporting.  For more information about FYC, please visit http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Human-Services/Family-Youth-and-Children/.

About the Human Services Department (HSD)
 
As the largest agency in Sonoma County government, HSD's mission is to protect vulnerable children and adults, and to promote maximum independence and well-being for individuals and families. The department is dedicated to providing quality, client-focused, cost-effective services and values the integrity, teamwork, leadership, and accountability of all staff in accomplishing the mission of the department. HSD works collaboratively at the federal, state, and local level to find creative solutions to human needs. To meet that goal, the department enjoys the support of other public and private sector partners, including other government agencies, community-based organizations, and business leaders. For more information regarding HSD's services please visit http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Human-Services.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

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 five years of progressively responsible experience in a public welfare agency, two of which were at the level of Social Service Worker III would provide such opportunity
OR
Academic coursework at a college or university in social work, psychology, sociology, and other behavior sciences; and six years of progressively responsible experience in a social work agency, at least three of which were at a level of Social Service Worker III would provide such opportunity.

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

Thorough knowledge of: the principles and application of 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, policies governing operation of public social service agencies; physical and mental illness and their impact on personality.

Working knowledge of: problem solving and counseling techniques.

Considerable knowledge of: socioeconomic factors, which promote stable family life and elements which affect daily stability.

Ability to: use social work methods and evaluation; crisis intervention and therapeutic social work counseling; communicate with, relate to, a varied client group; work constructively within an agency and community setting; effectively use consultative supervision resources, services; control personal bias and apply social work ethics; keep records and prepare records.

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. 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.
Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the application, examination, and department selection processes.
 
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Responses to supplemental questions will be used in assessing minimum qualifications. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses which state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient.
 
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (Weight 100%). Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for selection interviews.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer are contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted on-line at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
 
The County of Sonoma prioritizes and is committed to continuously providing a workplace where equal employment opportunity is afforded to all people. Please view the County's Equal Employment Opportunity Policy for further information.
 
HR Analyst: JL
HR Technician: KW

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
 
Paid Time Off:  Competitive vacation accrual; 11 holidays per year and generous sick leave accruals.
 
Health Plan:  Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County contribution toward the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit.  For specific details, please refer to the applicable MOU).  A County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement is available for some bargaining units.
 
Cash Allowance:   A cash allowance of approximately $600 per month, in addition to monthly salary.

Retirement:  Defined benefit plan fully integrated with Social Security.
 
IRS 457 Plan:  Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
 
Retiree Medical:  County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
 
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development and more.
 
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process, more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331.  Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located here: http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/HR/Employee-Relations/Labor/.  For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Departments-Agencies/Human-Resources/ or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.
 
*IMPORTANT NOTES:  Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

 

01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
  • CalJobs
  • College or University
  • Craigslist
  • Employee of Sonoma County
  • Facebook
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County
  • Indeed
  • Job Fair
  • La Voz
  • Latino Service Providers
  • Monster
  • National Association of Social Workers
  • Press Democrat
  • Socialworkjobbank.com
  • Socialservices.com
  • sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
  • Sonoma County Human Resources Office
  • Sonoma County Job Line
  • Twitter
  • Other Internet Site
  • Other Publication
02
If you selected "College or University" in Question 1, please provide the name of the College or University. Otherwise, please respond "N/A".
03
BILINGUAL SKILLS: Do you have fluent English/Spanish bilingual skills? (Fluent means the ability to speak, read, and write English & Spanish using correct grammar, translating accurately, conveying information correctly and clearly, etc.) Candidates must pass a bilingual proficiency examination to be eligible for a bilingual position.
  • Yes
  • No
04
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Your response to this question does not affect your eligibility for this position. Check all that apply.
  • I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions.
  • I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions.
  • I am only interested in full-time positions.
05
Please indicate how your education and experience meet the requirements of this position, as stated in the job announcement:
  • I have a Master's Degree in social work OR a Master's Degree from a two-year counseling program
  • I will be graduating in May or June with a Master's Degree in social work OR a Master's Degree from a two-year counseling program
  • I have a Bachelor's Degree in social work, sociology, psychology, or other behavioral science, AND ALSO have five years of progressively responsible experience in a public welfare agency, two of which were at the level of Social Service Worker III or equivalent
  • I have completed college-level coursework in social work, psychology, sociology, and other behavioral sciences AND ALSO have at least six years of progressively responsible experience in a social work agency, at least three of which were at a level of Social Service Worker III or equivalent
  • None of the above
06
Based on the answer you provided in Question 5, please elaborate how you meet the minimum education and experience requirements for this position. Provide sufficient information and details to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications.
07
Please describe your experience interviewing and working with clients to gain their trust, engage them in the process, and motivate them for change. Include the type of clients you generally worked with, the techniques used, as well as resulting outcomes.
08
Please describe your former social work and case management responsibilities. Highlight any professional social work experience you have relative to child welfare in a public agency.
09
Please describe any experience you possess with cases of child abuse and/or neglect, highlighting any investigative experience you may have. Include details regarding the types of cases, techniques used, and to whom you reported your findings, if appropriate.
10
Provide an example of a complex case you have managed involving parents and/or children which demonstrates your proficiency with these populations. Include details regarding:
  • Issues facing your client(s)
  • Evidence-based practices used
  • Clinical assessments performed
  • Agencies with which you interacted
  • Actions you took
  • Challenges faced
  • Any child protection issues
  • Outcome

* Required Question

Employer
County of Sonoma (CA)
Address
575 Administration Drive, Suite 116B

Santa Rosa, California, 95403
Phone
(707) 565-2331
Website
http://www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org

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