Manage a case load which includes cases of moderate difficulty involving basic types of social service problems; interview clients to ascertain the nature of their problems, determine social service needs, develop service plans, and carry out basic social service treatment plans; assist applicants and recipients in utilizing available resources for their needs; interpret policies, rules and regulations of the department to clients and others; make home calls in connection with case work assignments; prepare and maintain case records; refer clients to other social service agencies; participate in in-service training and other staff development activities to increase knowledge of the social work processes and achieve technical competence; receive casework consultation from professionally trained staff members; transport clients to appointments, community resources or agencies; may provide clients with training in the areas of parenting techniques, housekeeping skills, money management, self- care and hygiene; may conduct home evaluations for possible placement of children; prepare memos, letters, reports and case narratives;
Essential job duties may be assigned that are not listed above but are relative to this job classification. (Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.)
Education: Equivalent to completion of two (2) years of college level study in the behavioral or social sciences or a closely related field.
Education Equivalency: Directly related program specific experience may be substituted on a ratio of one (1) year specific experience equivalent to one (1) year of education.
Experience: One (1) year of experience equivalent to a Social Services Worker I in the County of Tulare.
Equivalency for Experience: One (1) year of directly related program specific experience may be substituted on a ratio of (1) one year of experience equivalent to a Social Services Worker I in the County of Tulare.
Knowledge of: Basic social service principles and practices; counseling methods and techniques; interviewing methods and techniques; basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; caseload management methods and techniques; community resources available to assist clients; terminology and vocabulary relevant to social work and social service programs; components of treatment plans and their development and implementation.
Skill/Ability to: Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers; operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment; develop, implement and monitor treatment plans; identify the need for social services; interview and counsel clients to obtain information and assist with problem solving; research and define problems, collect information, organize and analyze material, draw valid conclusions and formulate recommendations; negotiate with clients, establish goals and objectives and come to an agreement on a plan of action for resolving their problems; manage a caseload; read, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures; write clear, concise and grammatically correct case narratives, reports, records and correspondence; follow verbal and written instructions and seek guidance when appropriate; retain and recall information; adjust to changes in workload, coordinate work with others and work under stress of meeting deadlines; organize work in a step-by-step order; establish rapport and maintain effective working relationships with others; use patience, tact and courtesy in dealing with people under various circumstances and under emotional stress; keep systematic and accurate records; maintain confidentiality of all information and materials; work under stressful situations.
DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Experience: Working with children, pregnant or parenting teens and frail, elderly and/or disabled adults.
Knowledge of: Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations; dynamics of child abuse and neglect; problems faced by the aged; problems faced by the long term unemployed.
Skill/Ability to: Speak, read and write Spanish, Hmong or other client language; plan, organize and make effective presentations.
Conditions of Employment
Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.
College Cost Reduction Access Act
This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER