County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision, in a training capacity, to receive classroom training in the basic principles and techniques of social work and to become familiar with the organization, functions, policies, and procedures of the Welfare Department; to make field trips to community welfare organizations; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is an entrance-level class designed to facilitate the recruitment and training of persons for social work. Incumbents are assigned to a full-time training program consisting of classes, lectures, study assignments, field visits, and are closely supervised in providing social services to public assistance recipients. Periodic evaluation of progress and performance are made and discussed with trainees for the purpose of providing them opportunities to improve job performance. After six months of experience in this class, incumbents are expected to qualify by competitive examination for positions in the journeyman class, Social Worker II.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Attends daily training sessions and makes field visits to community resources to become familiar with the principles and practices of social work and the functions of the department.

2. Reads assigned material and takes examinations to acquire and demonstrate knowledge of welfare codes, regulations and laws, the principles of casework, community resources, and departmental functions, organization and rules.

3. Observes and assists in making home calls and interviews recipients, applicants, relatives, and interested parties.

4. Prepares reports to develop case-recording skills and to record data collected in the field; confers with training supervisors regarding professional development and interest in the field.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Or II

Some acceptable combination of education and appropriate experience.

License:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Special Requirements:

Upon advancement to Social Worker II, an incumbent may be required to provide an automobile for field work.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• General principles of psychology, sociology, economics, and public administration.
• Contemporary social and economic problems.

Ability to:

• Learn to interpret complex laws and regulations.
• Establish effective working relationships with the public.
• Accept and profit from training and supervising.
• Write clear and concise reports.
• Reason logically and draw valid conclusions.
• Interpret simple statistics and make arithmetic computations.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

DHH:rtl
Revised 7-30-70
SSA: 2/3/77
sj
Retyped: 2/85
Old document: 0654h
New document: Jobspecs/6705
ys/8/01

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.