Child Welfare Worker II

Recruitment #22-6745-01

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Introduction

READ THIS ENTIRE BULLETIN FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO REAPPLY FOR THIS RECRUITMENT


THIS IS A REOPENING OF A CONTINUOUS EXAMINATION. If you have previously applied or started an application for Child Welfare Worker II, 22-6745-01, read this entire bulletin. There are specific instructions on how to reapply for this position.

The scores and dispositions of candidates for this examination will be merged with previous exam participants.  If you previously submitted an application and choose to reapply, your new score/disposition will replace your current disposition.  If you do not wish to change your score/disposition, you are not required to reapply to this examination.  Candidates who received a qualifying score cannot participate in the examination within six (6) months of their disposition notice. Candidates who did not qualify may reapply sixty (60) days from their disposition notice.  Candidates who failed any of the exam components (i.e., written, oral exam), may reapply sixty (60) days from the exam date.
Please contact the examination Analyst, Ione Bell, ione.bell@acgov.org to have your previous application released back to you.

Applications must be in the possession of the Human Resource Services Department by 5:00:00 p.m. on the Last Day for Filing.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

*All applicants must provide a transcript which notes the number of units and field practicum obtained for their Master’s degree. Transcripts must be submitted at the (appointment) time of the oral examination.

If the transcript does not clearly indicate degree requirements have been fulfilled, a letter from an accredited college or university which affirms the graduation requirements/status must be provided.

Applicants who fail to provide sufficient proof of their Master’s degree will be disqualified.

Languages:  Qualified bilingual persons who speak English and are also fluent in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Korean, Mien, Tagalog, Amharic, Farsi, Dari, Tigrigna, Russian, Romanian or Sign Language are especially encouraged to apply. There is an additional bi-weekly compensation for persons in positions designated bilingual. Qualified candidates may be tested to demonstrate language proficiency.

Applications will only be accepted on-line.

DESCRIPTION




The Alameda County Social Services Agency(SSA) is comprised of almost 2,400 men and women working collectively and in partnership with community-based organizations, neighborhood groups and policy makers to serve the needs of the community. SSA provides services through its administration and operating departments. Administration includes Finance, Government and Community Relations, and Human Resources.  SSA’s operations includes Adult and Aging Services, Children and Family Services, and Workforce and Benefits Administration. 
 
The Social Services Agency assists one out of four of Alameda County's residents. The mission of the Social Services Agency is to promote the economic and social well-being of individuals, families, neighborhoods, and communities. 
 
To learn more about the Alameda County Social Services Agency, please visit the website at  https://www.alamedasocialservices.org/.

THE POSITION

Child Welfare Worker IIs in Alameda County provide intensive assessment, case management and/or casework services toward providing the most stable home environment for children who have been or are in danger of being abused, neglected or abandoned. They perform social casework of an advanced nature for children and families while dealing with complex problems under the time limitation and responsibility imposed by court action; and perform related duties as required.

Child Welfare Worker II positions are located in the Social Services Agency, in the Department of Children and Family Services.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidates for the position of Child Welfare Worker must possess knowledge of the laws and principles related to child welfare. They must possess a broad knowledge and understanding of normal child development and how trauma impacts the developmental process. The successful candidates will have the skill and ability to conduct client interviews, assessment and crisis intervention activities. They will understand normal family functioning and how this functioning is impacted by trauma and loss. Incumbents in the position will exercise sound judgment in making diagnostic risk assessments and decisions regarding placement of children and handle high-pressure, crisis situations professionally and be able to extract appropriate information during such situations. They must be able to work with a variety of individuals with varying degrees of mental health functioning, literacy, coping abilities and life skills. They must have the ability to understand the role of the Agency in the treatment plan and the Social Services Agency's policies, procedures, programs and services and be able to articulate this understanding to their clients.

In addition, the ideal candidate must possess the following:

  • knowledge of community resources,
  • the ability to set limits to assist clients in taking steps toward greater self-sufficiency,
  • the ability to write clear, concise and descriptive reports under time restraints,
  • strong written and verbal communication skills,
  • the ability to work well under pressure and display sound time management techniques,
  • an appreciation for diversity.
 
For a detailed listing of the Child Welfare Worker II duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I
Experience:

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience as a Child Welfare Worker I in the Alameda County classified service (non-classified includes District Attorney's Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts),

AND

Recommendation for promotion based on recent performance evaluations.

Or II
Education:

Possession of a Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited school of social work, which included a supervised field placement providing social casework and counseling services to individuals and families.

Or III
Education:

Possession of a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Counseling, or Clinical Psychology, Sociology, Education or an equivalent field (Vocational Rehabilitation majors not acceptable).

AND
Experience:

Satisfactory completion of two semesters of supervised field work in an agency involved in the provision of direct services to families or children in one of the following or closely related areas: child welfare, family counseling, juvenile probation, pediatric social work, alcohol and drug counseling, school social work, or school counseling.

OR
The equivalent of six (6) months full-time post baccalaureate professional work experience which involved the provision of direct services to families or children in one of the areas previously described.

License:

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 AND SKILLS

The most suitably qualified candidates will possess the following competencies:

Knowledge of:

· Principles of sociology and psychology relating to normal and abnormal human behavior and family and community dynamics.
· Child development and parenting skills.
· Interviewing techniques, including crisis intervention and counseling methods.
· The role of the Agency in the treatment plan and the Social Services Agency's policies, procedures, programs and services.
· Community resources.
· Legal definitions of sexual molestation, physical abuse, general neglect, incest, failure to thrive, emotional abuse, medical neglect and other details of laws relating to child abuse reporting and other related areas of law.

Ability to:

· Work cooperatively with varying interests and coordinate them towards achieving case plan and solving problems.
· Set limits to assist clients in taking steps toward greater self-sufficiency.
· Write clear, concise and descriptive reports under time restraints.
· Exercise sound judgment in making diagnostic risk assessments and decisions regarding placement of children.
· Deal effectively with hostile, disorganized or aggressive clients.
· Accept supervision and consultation.
· Handle high-pressure, crisis situations professionally and extract appropriate information in such situations.
· Learn and use various computer applications such as word processing and databases.
· Use personal computers and word processing programs.

EXAMINATION COMPONENTS

The examination will consist of the following steps: (1) A review of candidates' applications to verify the achievement of the minimum requirements. Qualified applicants will proceed to the next step which is (2) an oral examination/interview. The oral examination will be weighted as 100% of the total score and may serve as a hiring interview.  We reserve the right to make changes to the announced examination components.

Alameda County utilizes a Civil Service Selection System founded on merit.  Such a system is competitive and based on broad recruitment efforts and equal opportunity for qualified applicants to test in an examination process designed to determine the qualifications, fitness, and ability of competitors to perform duties of the vacant position.  Many of our recruitments are targeted and specific to the needs of a current vacant position, in which case, the eligible list may be exclusively used for that current vacant position.  Other recruitments may be more broadly used for both current and future vacancies, or for other alternate jobs with comparable scopes of work.



To learn more about our recruitment and selection process, please visit the “What You Need to Know” section of our website, www.acgov.org/hrs.

Selection Plan

Applicants will be informed via email with reasonable notice in advance of any examination process which will require their attendance. The following dates are tentative and subject to change based on the needs of the Agency.

TENTATIVE SELECTION PLAN

Deadline for Filing

Monday, September 19, 2022

Review of Minimum Qualifications:

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Panel Interviews:

Week of October 31, 2022

*Week of December 5, 2022

 

*Updated on 10/28/2022 MG

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ANNOUNCED RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PLAN

Alameda County and the Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination and/or selection process to accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Alameda County’s Reasonable Accommodation Policy and applicable statutes. To request an accommodation due to a disability/medical condition during this or other phases of the examination/selection process, please contact the assigned Human Resources Representative listed on the job announcement before the last date of filing. Alameda County requires applicants to provide supporting documentation to substantiate a request for reasonable accommodation. In order to qualify for a reasonable accommodation, applicants must have a disability/medical condition pursuant to the ADA, FEHA and applicable statutes.

For more information regarding our Reasonable Accommodation procedures, please visit our website: www.acgov.org/hrs.

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

  • 11 paid holidays
  • Floating Holidays
  • Vacation and sick leave accrual
  • Vacation purchase program
  • Catastrophic Sick Leave
  • Group Auto/Home Insurance
  • 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.

 

Conclusion

All notices related to County recruitments for which you have applied will be sent/delivered via email. Please add @jobaps.com, @acgov.org and Noreply@jobaps.com 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 ensure 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

Noreply@jobaps.com 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 job announcement for the recruitment for which you have applied. (Conclusion updated 9/19/2022)


Ione Bell, Human Resources Analyst
Human Resource Services Division, County of Alameda
510-272-6456; Email: Ione.Bell@acgov.org

www.acgov.org/hrs

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Alameda County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to report to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Alameda County has a diverse workforce, that is representative of the communities we serve and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance and business need. Alameda County does not discriminate in employment on the basis of, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors protected under federal, state and local law. Alameda County celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive, and welcoming workplace environment.