Job Description

Posting number: 2026-02222

Department: HHSA - SOCIAL SERVICES

Division: Social Services

Job classification: Social Worker III

Posting type: Open

Categories: Social Services, Human Services, Community and Social 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 general supervision, to regularly carry a difficult caseload determining the services required by Department of Human Services applicants or clients; to perform complex studies and develop comprehensive client service plans; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level in the Social Worker class series. Incumbents perform needs assessments, develop service plans, and regularly carry complex services caseloads requiring substantial previous experience in social work. This class is distinguished from Social Worker II in that incumbents are assigned the more complex and special problem caseloads on a regular basis in areas such as adoptions and adult and child protective services. It is distinguished from Social Worker IV in that Social Worker IV's perform the most complex and specialized social services casework in areas such as adoptions and child or adult protective services. This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position.

REPORTS TO

Social Worker Supervisor

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

Some positions may provide lead or project direction for other staff.

Examples of duties

Applies the more complex principles and techniques of social work to a case load which regularly includes the more difficult and special services problems such as adoptions or adult and child protective services; determines clients social service needs and develops and carries out comprehensive social services plans; refers clients to other staff members, as necessary; diagnoses special client problems and develops and follows through on special 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, services, and functions; attends in-service and other training courses designed to further an incumbent's understanding of social work processes; may receive casework consultation and guidance from higher level staff members; performs community outreach efforts; may serve as a lead worker or project director for other Social Worker and support staff.

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.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Maintain the confidentiality of case records.
• Develop and prepare clear and concise records and reports.
• Effectively communicate with people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Qualifications

Training and Experience:

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. One year performing duties comparable to a Social Worker II in a public social services agency;

Or

B. Equivalent to graduation from college, including thirty (30) semester units in social welfare, sociology, social/human services, or other behavioral science.

And

C. Two years 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

Work is performed in an office environment; sometimes works in a home environment; work may involve stressful situations and include dealing with erratic and sometimes threatening behavior; continuous contact with other staff and the public; may operate a motor vehicle over county roads in a variety of weather conditions; may travel in a motor vehicle and/or airplane for short or long distances.

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.