Social Worker I, II, III

Social Worker I/II/III

The Alameda County Social Services and Health Care Services Agencies are searching for Social Workers to assess clients for program assistance as well as provide guidance, counseling, collect and evaluate client socio-economic information and data and to manage the on-going responsibility for a caseload of applicants or clients of services. The vacancies at Health Care Services Agencies are not full-time but are allocated at ¾ time.

Social Worker I is an entry level Social Worker position, closely supervised in performing their duties and receives on-the-job training for six months by a Social Work Supervisor or manager. Incumbents are expected to progress to the Social Worker II level after gaining the requisite experience, which includes becoming familiar with the agency’s, organization, functions, policies, procedures, methods, divisions, work routing, and case recording.

The Social Worker III, is the advanced journey level in the Social Worker series. Social Worker III's are assigned specialized functions requiring significantly greater knowledge, ability and professional judgment than that required at the journey level.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups.
• Demonstrated expertise as a self-directed problem-solver with high standards for quality and a strong commitment to public service.
• Remarkable organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks and accomplish multiple projects simultaneously, take prompt action to achieve objectives as well as identify issues as they arise and address them proactively.
• Strong ability to identify and understand complex problems and concepts, apply logical thinking and quantitative methods to gathering and analyzing information, design solutions to problems, and formulate and articulate action plans.
• Prudent decision making ability, with a history of choosing the appropriate courses of action by considering all implications and consequences, committing to action and ensuring successful implementation.
• Strong ability to objectively assess psychosocial needs of clients and a track record of developing a collaborative rapport with internal and external resources for managing the client referral process.
• Possesses a working knowledge of available resources, the ability to assess eligibility for a variety of health care and social service programs and maintains an established network of community-based service providers.
• Success in managing clients with severe behavioral issues, depression and other mental health issues, drug/alcohol dependencies, effects of physical/sexual abuse, extensive exposure to violence and/or other trauma as well as a lack of basic needs, and homelessness.  
• Proficiency to manage, track and report data on the status of client progress.
• Capability of handling a large caseload while staying focused on a variety of critical priorities simultaneously.
• Skill to successfully align program service objectives with individual performance goals.
• Remains flexible and open to new ideas when assessing needs of clients.
• Bi-lingual skills are desired.

 

 

 

 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Social Worker I & II

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Conducts home visits 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.

4. 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 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.

5. Describes to applicants social service program objectives, capabilities and limitations and explains the applicants' rights and responsibilities; evaluates cases and initiates a plan for service.

6. 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.

7. Maintains case records, prepares correspondence and confers with supervisor regarding caseload problems.

8. May perform special assignments as directed by the department head.

Social Worker III

9. 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.

10. Makes home calls/site visits to assess client’s needs; provides short-term case management as appropriate.

11. Receives calls from individuals or Agency representatives regarding situations involving alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation; obtains information form caller and makes immediate determination regarding appropriate course of action.

12. 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.

13. Conducts interviews and case development, gathers medical evidence, sets up medical and/or mental health appointments and arranges transportation for current SSI applicants.

14. Provides transportation vouchers to domestic violence, homeless and other clients as needed.

15. Assists clients in court, mediation and restraining order clinics.

16. Assists clients with applying for State Victim of Crime funds.

17. Provides short-term assistance to clients displaying emotional distress.
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Social Worker I Level

Either I
Education:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university (180 quarter units or 120 semester units) which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter units in social welfare, social/human services, public health, sociology, psychology, clinical psychology, counseling or other behavioral science.

Or II
Education:

Equivalent to graduation from a two-year accredited college (90 quarter units or 60 semester units) which includes 15 semester or 22 quarter units in social welfare, social/human services, public health, sociology, psychology, clinical psychology, counseling or other behavioral science,

-AND
Experience:

The equivalent of one year of full time experience as an Eligibility Technician II, Community Outreach Worker or equivalent or higher level classification in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or

The equivalent of two years full time social casework experience working in a recognized public or non-profit social services, health or human services agency.

Social Worker II Level

Either I
Experience:

The equivalent of six months full time experience in the class of Social Worker I in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.).

Or II
Education:

Equivalent to graduation from a two-year accredited college (90 quarter units or 60 semester units) which includes 15 semester or 22 quarter units in social welfare, social/human services, public health, sociology, psychology, clinical psychology, counseling, or other behavioral science,

AND
Experience:

The equivalent of one year of full time experience as an Employment Counselor or experience comparable to Employment Counselor. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or III
Education:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university (180 quarter units or 120 semester units), which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter units in social welfare, social/human services, or, public health, sociology, psychology, clinical psychology, counseling or other behavioral science.

AND
Experience:

The equivalent of one year full time social casework experience in a public or non-profit human services agency. (Completion of one year of graduate study in a recognized school of social work may be substituted for the experience required.)

Social Worker III Level

Either I

The equivalent of one-year experience in the class of Social Worker II or in an equivalent or higher level Social Worker class in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

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 years of full-time experience performing duties comparable to a Social Worker II. (Completion of one year of graduate study in an accredited school of social work may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.)

License:

All positions require possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

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

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, to reach sound conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Interpret complex Federal and State laws, rules and regulations and procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other professional personnel and the public.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Prioritize work.
• Analyze basic statistics and calculate mathematic computations.

 

THE EXAMINATION:  THIS IS A NEW ASSEMBLED EXAMINATION.  The eligible list resulting from this examination will cancel any existing list and may last approximately one year, but can be extended.

The examination will consist of the following steps:

1. Review of candidates' application to verify possession of minimum requirements.  Those candidates who possess the minimum requirements for the class will move on to the next step in the examination process.
2. A review of the supplemental questionnaire to further verify knowledge, skill and ability.
3. An oral interview which will be weighted as 100% of the candidates' final examination score.  The oral interview may contain situational exercises.

Candidates must attain a qualifying rating on each portion of this recruitment.  WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ANNOUNCED EXAMINATION STEPS.

Tentative Selection Plan:

The tentative selection schedule is as follows:
• Application and Supplemental Questionnaires will only be accepted on-line. The deadline to submit application and supplemental questionnaires is August 22, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.
• Minimum qualification notification to be issued on September 8, 2011
• Supplemental questionnaire review to be completed by September 19, 2011.
• Screening notices and Oral Examination invitations to go out on September 22, 2011.
• Oral Examinations to be conducted on October 5th and 6th, 2011.

ABOUT THE COUNTY

Alameda County, located on the east side of San Francisco Bay, is California’s seventh-largest county.  The County employs 9,080 full-time employees and operates on an annual budget of $2.39 billion.  Oakland, the County seat, is California’s eighth largest city.  One and a half million people call Alameda County home and live in a variety of incorporated cities, unincorporated communities and rural areas.  As a major urban county, Alameda provides a full range of services to its citizens.  The County is a blend of culturally and ethnically diverse communities, and its mixture of cosmopolitan and suburban areas provides the perfect environment for families and their active lifestyles.  The County offers extensive cultural resources, countless recreational opportunities and an array of fine public and private colleges and universities.

 

BENEFITS FOR NON-MANAGEMENT POSITIONS

MEDICAL PLANS

The County offers HMO and PPO medical plans.  The County has two contributions structures, 1) County contributes 100% of the lowest cost HMO; or 2) County contributes 90% of the HMO plans and 90% of the lowest cost HMO towards the PPO.  The County contribution can be prorated based on the number of work hours up to 50% of the standard hours in a pay period.  If an eligible employee waives all medical coverage through the County, a monthly stipend may be provided.

DENTAL PLANS

The County offers two Dental Plans: PPO and Dental Maintenance Option (DMO). The County contributes 100% of the family coverage for both plans as long as the employee works at least 50% of the standard hours in a pay period. The PPO option plan design is 100% Preventative, 80% Basic Care, 80% Major Care with a $45 per individual deductible and annual maximum up to  $1,450 per year.  The DMO option has an orthodontic benefit for children as well as adults.

VISION BENEFIT

The County offers two Voluntary Vision Plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for eligible employees.  The two plans consist of a low option and a high option that offer annual eye exams and coverage for various frames and lenses.  The Voluntary Vision Plan is 100% employee paid and is available for employees and their dependents.  In addition, an annual eye exam is covered for participants in the HMO Medical Plans with corresponding co-pay. 

A Vision Reimbursement Plan is available for some union bargaining units who have a provision in their Memorandum of Understanding that after six months of continuous service, Vision Reimbursement for eye lenses or contacts is provided up to a set dollar amount. This vision reimbursement benefit is available to employees only.

COUNTY ALLOWANCE DOLLARS

The County provides up to $300 of flex dollars annually, dependent upon the eligible employee's represented or unrepresented classification.  These flex dollars can be used to pay for medical premiums.  The unused portion of these flex dollars are deposited into a Health Flexible Spending Account for the employee, which can be used for unreimbursed medical expenses. 

HEALTH FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

Employees may opt to salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 for eligible out of pocket medical, dental and vision expenses such as: prescription co-pays, office visit co-pays, prescription eye glasses or contact lenses.

DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

For employees who have either children under age 13 or dependents (parent, sibling or in-law incapable of self-care) that are dependent upon the employee for care can salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 annually. These pre-tax dollars can be used to pay for day care expenses provided by a licensed facility.

LIFE INSURANCE

The County pays for a Basic Life Insurance policy of $9,000 up to $20,000 for an employee based on the affiliation with their appropriate union.

COMMUTER BENEFITS

For the 2011 Plan Year, an employee can set aside up to $230 a month in pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified work-related parking and commuting to and from work transit fees.

HOLIDAYS

Most employees are provided 11 paid holidays plus four floating holidays dependent upon the union bargaining unit.

VACATION AND SICK LEAVE WITH PAY

Vacation accrual ranges from two weeks to five weeks depending upon years of service and the union bargaining unit to which the position is assigned. Sick leave accruals are based on the union bargaining unit and are defined in the corresponding Memorandum of Understanding.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

The County has an EAP available for employees, spouses/domestic partners and eligible dependents.  This program provides services such as: counseling, financial consulting, child and elder care consulting and some legal counseling.

DISABILITY or INCOME REPLACEMENT

Two voluntary plans are offered: Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability can be purchased through a payroll deduction or with accrued vacation hours depending upon the union bargaining unit.

LONG TERM CARE

This voluntary benefit extends care for yourself and/or your spouse and/or your parents who experience a serious accident, chronic illness or frailties of old age. Places where care can be provided are: in one’s home, at a nursing home, at an assisted living facility or adult day care center.

 

RETIREMENT

The County retirement program is a Defined Benefit plan and is governed under the provisions of the 1937 Act systems. The County’s retirement is based on one’s age upon entrance, compensation, years of service and specific percentage of employee/employer contributions with the County’s portion vesting after five years of employment.
 
DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The County offers a Deferred Compensation program where an eligible employee can voluntarily contribute on a pre-tax basis, a minimum of $20 per pay period up to the total annual contribution limit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
Those claiming additional preference points as a VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form on the day of the oral examination. Those claiming additional preference points as a DISABLED VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form and a letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs confirming eligibility for additional points on the day of the oral examination.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990, and Alameda County Resolution No. R-83-773.  To request reasonable accommodation, you must notify the Human Resource Representative listed on this bulletin as soon as possible and before the last day to file, in order to make the necessary arrangements during each step of the examination process.                                                               (510) 272-3703 (TDD)

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All government employees are disaster service workers as defined by California Government Code Section 3100.  In addition to everyday duties, employees have the added responsibility of helping throughout any disaster. 

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
An applicant’s previous employment may be investigated.  Results of this investigation may be cause for disqualification.  Also, all convictions will be reviewed and may result in a request for additional information or termination of employment.  A conviction record will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.  Each case will be given individual consideration, based on job-relatedness.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION
All prospective county employees must pass a medical examination before beginning employment.  For positions which require a commercial driver’s license and the performance of functions defined as “safety sensitive,” Federal law and County policy requires that the examination include a drug screening process.  Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of this examination.

Alameda County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  Women, ethnic and racial minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other non-job-related factor.

 

All notices related to County recruitments for which you have applied will be sent/delivered via email.  Please add @acgov.org and alamedacountyHR@acgov.org as accepted addresses to any email blocking or spam filtering program you may use.  If you do not do this, your email blocking or spam filtering program may block receipt of the notices regarding your application for recruitments. You are also strongly advised to regularly log into your County of Alameda online application account to check for notices that may have been sent to you.  All email notices that will be sent to you will also be kept in your personal online application account.  You  will be able to view all of your notices in your online application account by clicking on the “My applications” button on the Current Job Openings page.

 

Please take the steps recommended above to insure you do not miss any notices about a recruitment for which you have applied.  The County of Alameda is not responsible for notices that are not read, received or accessed by any applicant for a County recruitment.  

 

NOTE: All notices are generated through an automated email notification system.  Replies to the email box alamedacountyHR@acgov.org are routed to an unmonitored mailbox.  If you have questions please go to our website at www.acgov.org/hrs.  You may also contact the Human Resources Analyst listed on the bulletin for the recruitment for which you have applied.

 

Cheri M. Harraway, Human Resources Analyst II
Human Resources Services Division, County of Alameda
510-208-9593
Cheri.harraway@acgov.org
www.acgov.org/hrs