DESCRIPTION
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This classification specification describes the advanced journey-level classification of the Social Worker Classification flexible staffed series. Under minimal supervision at the Social Worker III level, will assess clients for eligibility of services, needs and make referrals to appropriate service programs, as well as provide assistance and guidance, counseling, and appropriate supportive social services to clients; collect and evaluate client socio-economic information and data; manage the on-going responsibility for a caseload of applicants or clients receiving services, and performs other related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
The Social Worker III classification is the advanced journey level in the Social Worker series. Social Worker III's are assigned specialized functions, work at a level that requires minimal supervision, and are expected to have acquired the highest degree of knowledge, ability, professional judgment, and assessment skills than that required at the journey level classification of Social Worker II. Social Worker III’s will provide clients with social services of a specialized nature, including to provide protective and supportive casework services to clients. Incumbents in these classifications do not have caseload standards.
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EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
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NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.
- Manages a caseload of clients and/or provides counseling for any clients requiring social services; interviews clients regularly in their homes, in the field, in the office, and by telephone to determine the need for social services.
- Attempts to effect the socio economic rehabilitation of clients through counseling and guidance on personal problems; may provide guidance to clients on managing their financial affairs.
- Conducts home visits and assesses functional indicators in the client’s home such as nutrition, housing conditions, health conditions, In-Home Support Services, and family relationships; refers cases of suspected fraud to the Welfare Investigative Unit; refers cases of neglect to the appropriate unit; counsels clients on improving homemaking standards, nutrition, health habits, and family relationships.
- Interviews and provides counseling to elderly and disabled clients and/or dependent adults, their caregivers, guardians, members of their families, and other concerned persons regarding eligibility for SSI/SSP or other applicable benefits; assesses the appropriateness of placement in long-term care facilities; reviews eligibility and entitlement for authorization for non-medical out of home care benefit levels, and other human services and programs available through the Social Services Agency or other appropriate community resources.
- Describes to applicants social service program objectives, capabilities, and limitations and explains the applicants' rights and responsibilities, program regulations, policies, and procedures; evaluates cases and initiates a plan for service.
- Provides referrals to clients to public and private agencies and to health and legal agencies for specialized assistance; works with other agencies on cases of mutual concern; assists clients with their marital, medical, legal, housing, and financial problems; when possible, assists clients with plans to become self-sufficient.
- Maintains case records, prepares correspondence, and confers with supervisor regarding caseload problems.
- May perform special assignments as directed by the department head.
- Performs information and referral services; identifies and assesses individual client's need for services available in the community or the Agency, including but not limited to Domestic Violence, Mental Health and other Alcohol and Drug services, health care, and/or In-Home Support Services; may act as a liaison with other staff in clarifying client's needs and facilitating referrals to available resources based on knowledge of all Social Services and/or Health Care Services and community programs.
- Makes home calls/site visits to assess client’s needs; provides short-term case management as appropriate.
- Receives calls from individuals or Agency representatives regarding situations involving alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation; obtains information from the caller and makes an immediate determination regarding the appropriate course of action.
- Processes applications and fees for individuals receiving program and/or health care services; authorizes payments; maintains fiscal records; conducts interviews, researches and assists clients with Medi-Cal and other health insurance issues; maintains linkages with Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, and other health insurance and health care services providers.
- Conducts interviews and case development, gathers medical evidence, sets up medical and/or mental health appointments, and arranges transportation for current SSI applicants.
- Provides transportation vouchers to domestic violence, homeless, and other clients as needed.
- Assists clients in court, mediation, and restraining order clinics.
- Assists clients with applying for State Victim of Crime funds.
- Provides short-term assistance to clients displaying emotional distress.
- Participate in quality improvement efforts.
- Prepare for and attend fair hearings.
- May perform special assignments as directed by the department head.
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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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EITHER I
Experience:
The equivalent of one (1) year of experience in the class of Social Worker II or in an equivalent or higher-level Social Worker class in the Alameda County classified service.
OR II
Education:
Possession of a bachelor's degree, including 30 semester or 45 quarter units in social welfare, social/human services, sociology, or other behavioral science.
AND
Experience:
The equivalent of two (2) years of full-time experience performing duties comparable to a Social Worker II.
Substitution:
Completion of one (1) year of graduate study in an accredited school of social work may be substituted for a maximum of one (1) year of the required experience under pattern II.
License:
All positions require possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
Special Requirements:
Fluency in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Farsi, Tagalog, Vietnamese, or Cambodian is desirable.
NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.
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KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
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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:
- Principles, practices, and techniques of social work.
- Provisions of the California Welfare and Institutions Code, the Social Security Act, and other pertinent legislation in the field of public welfare, including changes and developments in such legislation.
- Aims and functions of community organization and resources, including available services in the employment field County and State Health and Human Services Agency and health care.
- Basic psychological theory and practices as related to human behavior.
- Public and private social agencies and other community resources.
Ability to:
- Analyze and evaluate individual situations, reach sound conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
- Interpret complex Federal and State laws, rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, culturally diverse populations, other departments/agencies, co-workers, and other groups and organizations.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Prioritize work.
- Demonstrate good customer service, interpersonal sensitivity, and diplomacy when working with others regarding sensitive or crisis situations.
- Implement effective caseload management techniques.
- Deal impartially and with restraint in stressful situations.
- Follow complex oral and written instructions.
- Use computers and software applications effectively.
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CLASS SPEC HISTORY
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Revised: 10/78
BG:mdc Revised: 4/84
TT:lm h Retyped: 2/85
BV:pb Revised: 3/90
TT:sw Revised 11/21/97
Old doc name: 0655h
New spec name: 6710-6715-6720.doc
TE:pf Rev. 8/2/01
Csc date: 7/31/02
AM:po (Revised-combined Soc.Wkr III series)1/16/08
CSC Date: 1/30/2008
DRH:saa Revised 05/2/23
CSC Date:11/29/2023
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BENEFITS
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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
- 1st 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.
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