Job Description

Posting number: 2026-02221

Department: HHSA - SOCIAL SERVICES

Division: Social Services

Job classification: Social Worker I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Social Services, Human Services

For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule, website

Effective January 1, 2025, employees will receive Social Services Division (SSD) Retention Pay as follows:

One and a half percent (1.5%) upon the completion of twelve (12) months of consecutive service in the SSD;

or Three percent (3.0%) upon the completion of thirty-six (36) months of consecutive service in the SSD;

or Four and a half percent (4.5%) upon the completion of sixty (60) months of consecutive service in the SSD.

Under supervision, to learn to determine the need for basic social services required by Department of Human Services applicants or clients; to carry a limited non-complex caseload; and to do related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the entry/trainee class in the Social Worker class series. Incumbents learn and receive training in Department organization, human service programs, basic case study methods, and case work services. As incumbents gain experience, they perform assignments on a more independent basis. After one (1) year of satisfactory performance, an incumbent is expected to promote to the Social Worker II level. This class is distinguished from Social Worker II in that Social Worker II incumbents generally carry a regular caseload with greater independence of decision making and action. This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position.

Reports to

Social Worker Supervisor I

Classifications Supervised

None

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, to carry a caseload of moderate difficulty determining the services required by Department of Human Services applicants or clients; to perform studies and develop client service plans; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level in the Social Worker class series. Incumbents perform needs assessments, develop service plans, and carry general services caseloads requiring previous experience in social work, performing basic assignments in areas such as adoptions and adult and child protective services. This class is distinguished from Social Worker I in that Social Worker I works in a learning and training capacity. It is distinguished from Social Worker III in that a Social Worker III performs more complex social services casework requiring more comprehensive knowledge and utilization of community resources. This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position.

REPORTS TO

Social Worker Supervisor

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

None

Examples of duties

Studies and applies the principles and techniques of social work to a case load which includes basic services problems; works in a trainee capacity, interviewing clients to determine the nature of their problems and develop basic service plans; carries out the less difficult service plans under relatively close supervision; provides employment, referral, and other basic services; makes referrals to other staff members as required by the type of case and services needed; interprets Human Services Department rules, regulations, and policies for clients and the general public within a defined scope of responsibility; maintains necessary case records; attends in-service and other training courses designed to further an incumbent's understanding of social work processes; receives casework consultation and guidance from professionally trained staff members; performs community outreach efforts.

Knowledge of:

• Socio-economic conditions and trends.
• Basic principles of individual and group behavior.
• Principles of interviewing and problem-solving methodologies.
• Basic public welfare programs at the Federal, State and local levels.
• General principles of public assistance policies and programs and related case administration techniques.
• Basic goals, and purposes of public human services programs.
• Basic principles and methods of individual and group counseling.
• Current issues in the field of social welfare.

Desired skills:

• Learn the laws, rules and regulations governing the programs, operations, and services of the County Human Services Department.
• Learn the principles and techniques of interviewing and documenting social casework.
• Learn the resources available in the community for referral or utilization in employment or social service programs.
• Understand and carry out Department programs, policies, and procedures.
• Obtain facts and analyze information, drawing sound conclusions.
• Gather, organize, analyze, and present a variety of data and information.
• Analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action.
• Maintain the confidentiality of case records.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Develop and prepare clear and concise records and reports.
• Explain complex rules and programs so they can be easily understood by others.

Applies the principles and techniques of social work to a case load which includes moderately difficult services problems; determines clients social service needs and develops and carries out social services plans; may provide case services in adoptions or adult and child protective services; refers clients to other staff members, as necessary; develops client treatment plans; assists clients with the utilization of community resources; interprets Human Services Department rules, regulations, and policies for clients and the general public; makes home visits necessary to carry out casework assignments; develops and maintains case records and documentation; may be assigned to special projects and functions; attends in-service and other training courses designed to further an incumbent's understanding of social work processes; receives casework consultation and guidance from higher level staff members; performs community outreach efforts.

Knowledge of:

• Socio-economic conditions and trends.
• Principles of individual and group behavior.
• Principles of interviewing and problem-solving methodologies.
• Public human service programs at the federal, state and local levels.
• General principles of public assistance policies and programs and related case administration techniques.
• Goals and purposes of public assistance and human services programs.
• Principles and methods of individual and group counseling.
• Current issues in the field of social welfare.

Desired Skills:

• Understand and apply the laws, rules and regulations governing the programs, operations, and services of the county Human Services Department.
• Utilize a variety of interviewing techniques and methods and document social casework progress.
• Refer clients to community agencies and resources which enhance employment or social service programs.
• Understand and carry out department programs, policies, and procedures.
• Obtain facts and analyze information, drawing sound conclusions.
• Gather, organize, analyze, and present a variety of data and information.
• Analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action.
• Maintain the confidentiality of case records.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Develop and prepare clear and concise records and reports.

Qualifications

Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying. A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

A. Education equivalent to graduation from college, including successful completion of thirty (30) semester in social welfare, social/human services, sociology, or other behavioral science.

Or

B. Successful completion of thirty (30) semester units in social welfare, social/human services, sociology, or other behavioral science.

And

One year of experience performing duties comparable to an Eligibility Worker II; Integrated Case Worker II;

Or

Three years of experience comparable to a Vocational Assistant;

Or

Two years of experience comparable to a Homemaker;

Or

Two years of experience comparable to a level II clerical class;

Or

One year of social work casework experience in a public or private social services agency.

Special Requirements

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid and appropriate driver's license.

Supplemental information

Typical Physical Requirements

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, FAX, and other related peripheral equipment such as printers and scanners; and operate a motor vehicle.

Typical Working Conditions

Additional Incentives Child Welfare Services Assignments

-Social Workers assigned to Child Welfare Services receive a premium of seven percent (7.0%) of their base rate of pay.

Effective January 1, 2025, employees will receive Social Services Division (SSD) Retention Pay as follows:

One and a half percent (1.5%) upon the completion of twelve (12) months of consecutive service in the SSD;

or Three percent (3.0%) upon the completion of thirty-six (36) months of consecutive service in the SSD;

or Four and a half percent (4.5%) upon the completion of sixty (60) months of consecutive service in the SSD.