SOCIAL SERVICE WORKER IV/V (DEPT. OF HUMAN SERVICES), EXAM 6423

AMENDED: 11/1/17
                     8/30/17

FILING DATE: Applications will be received until cancelation of this notice. CANCELATION CAN OCCUR AT ANYTIME WITHOUT NOTICE. Names will be placed on one eligible list in order of final grades.

UNDER THIS RECRUITMENT (EXAM 6423) APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT VERIFICATION THAT THEIR MASTERS DEGREE HAS BEEN CONFERRED TO BE PLACED ACTIVE ON THE ELIGIBLE LIST.

Under direction, manage a social service caseload of a complex nature, often on an emergency basis, for the purpose of assessing problems and determining types and methods of social service intervention.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

LEVEL IV: This is the first level requiring advanced educational training in the flexible classification of Social Service Worker I/II/III/IV/V. Assignment to this level requires completion of a Master's degree. Social Service Worker IV's may be assigned to a geographic or functional area where supervision may not be immediately available. This classification is distinguished from Social Service Worker III by the specialty of the work assigned, and by the greater complexity and scope of treatment plans prepared, requiring advanced educational training. This classification is distinguished from Social Service Worker V by the greater amount of direction and assistance received in performing work. Promotion to Social Service Worker V is considered on a merit basis, subject to recommendation of the Department Head, and approval by the Director of Personnel.

LEVEL V: This is the second level requiring advanced educational training in the flexible classification of Social Service Worker I/II/III/IV/V. Assignments to this level requires completion of a Master's degree and one year of experience equivalent to Social Service Worker IV in the Kern County classification system. This classification is distinguished from Social Service Worker IV by greater independence exercised in performing work, with more responsibility for leadership and guidance to social service staff, and by the variety and complexity of assignments.

• Responds to reports of abuse requiring immediate investigation; travels to and locates individuals and families in the field, often under time constraints and stressful conditions.
• Conducts forensic interviews.
• Visits individuals and families in their residence to assess suitability of living conditions and capabilities of parents and/or caretakers; evaluates the presence and level of risk to individuals and families; makes decision to remove individuals and families from unsuitable conditions according to legal guidelines and restrictions.
• Transports individuals and families to protective facilities, to appear in court, for scheduled appointments or visitation, and other purposes.
• Provides information and referral to other services available from government agencies and community ­based organizations; explains the requirements and procedures for public assistance; may act as intermediary with other service providers.
• Evaluates personal and psychological factors in individual and family situations.
• Utilizes a systems or person­ in­ environment approach for assessment of family difficulties.
• Under direction, undertakes intensive long or short-­term treatment plans which require comprehensive professional knowledge with the goal of improving or restoring family functioning.
• Monitors, evaluates, and implements case plans and, if applicable, compliance with court orders.
• Facilitates groups, requiring comprehensive professional knowledge, with the aim of improving individual or family functioning.
• Participates in research studies related to services provided.
• Assists with recruitment of foster parents and adoptive homes.
• Supports foster and adoptive parents, collateral agencies, and Jamison staff in meeting the needs of children in their care.
• Evaluates suitability of adoption placements.
• Participates in community planning for the protection and care of children, and to identify potentially harmful influences to children.
• Interprets social service rules, regulations and policies to individuals and families.
• Provides casework consultation to staff members without advanced training.
• Provides consultation to and assists in the professional development of social service staff.
• Conducts training.
• Oversees field placements of interns in graduate programs.
• Prepares legal documents, court reports, statistical and/or other types of reports.
• Maintains records, inputs data and retrieves information from case management computer systems.
• Prepares correspondence.

• Acts as lead worker in an assigned unit.
• Administers drug tests (witness urine samples given by clients).
• Conducts training presentations in specialized areas of expertise for staff and community.
• Performs other job­ related duties as required.

LEVEL IV:

Completion of a Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university, which includes an internship.

OR

A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a Counseling program emphasizing Marriage, Family and Child Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy, Gerontology, Clinical Psychology, Sociology, Counseling and Personnel Services, or a closely related discipline is permitted with the following stipulations: The Master's degree program included an internship or supervised field work, and completion of one (1) year of social service work experience.

LEVEL V:

Completion of a Master's degree in social work from an accredited college or university, which includes an internship, and one year of experience equivalent to Social Service Worker IV in the Kern County classification system.

OR

Completion of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a Counseling program emphasizing Marriage, Family and Child Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy, Gerontology, Clinical Psychology, Sociology or a closely related discipline is permitted with the following stipulations; The Master's degree program included an internship or supervised field work; and completion of one year of social service work experience equivalent to Social Service Worker IV in the Kern County classification system.

LEVEL IV AND V:

Qualifying case management/work experience must include: (1) responsibility for a long term caseload, (2) development of service/treatment plans; (3) monitoring compliance through home calls, field calls and other personal contact; (4) modification of treatment plans as needed/required; and (5) authority to impose/recommend sanctions for non­compliance, impacting benefits or services (i.e. case closures, terminate benefits and or program participation).

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES REQUIRED:

Possession of a Class C California driver's license is required. Incumbents must have the ability to travel to designated locations.

The Department of Human Services requires a Certification of Typing/Keyboarding speed of 25 net words per minute.

(Typing Certificate) Applicants must submit a copy of their typing or keyboard certificate, verifying a speed of 25 net words per minute, issued within the last two (2) years attached to their completed application by the application filing deadline. Certificates must conform to testing standards adopted by the Civil Service Commission. Go to the Kern County Human Resources website at https://www.kerncounty.com/artman2/main/uploads/1/typing-certs.pdf for information about where to obtain a qualifying certificate.