Under general supervision, performs case management and counseling work of average difficulty in providing social services and rehabilitation to children and adults; and does related or other work as required in accordance Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is an advanced journey level social worker class. Assignments require advanced counseling and casework skills and techniques designed to restore or improve individual physical, mental or emotional functioning.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Screens, evaluates and assesses clients and relatives to compile case histories and assess needs and problems for use by medical staff to establish diagnoses and determination of treatment.
Participates in diagnostic and staff conferences with other disciplines for treatment planning; links clients with other agencies, organizations or divisions as appropriate.
Evaluates suitability of environment in which client lives; may arrange for basic needs, medical care, food, shelter, clothing; may arrange for placement; may recruit and evaluate placement facilities.
Acts as liaison among the client, department, family, and community agencies; interprets client's problems; assist client in adjustment to new situations.
Participates in training programs, including the teaching of diagnoses and treatment methods, conducted for public and private community and social agencies.
Interprets rules, regulations and policies related to mental health services.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a major in a social or behavioral science or a closely related field.
Experience: Four years of experience in a mental health setting as a specialist in mental health and related fields.
Substitution: Up to two years of graduate professional education may be substituted for the experience requirement on a year for year basis.
KNOWLEDGE
Principles, practices and techniques of social casework; social and psychological aspects of mental illnesses and disabilities and current modern methods of treatment; social work placement methods and practices; values and standards of other health care professionals.
ABILITY
Establish and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with clients, families, physicians, social agencies and others; prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive social casework records; analyze data and make appropriate conclusions; evaluate situation and recommend appropriate interventions; summarize and describe client's problems to other health professionals; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility-Frequent operation of a keyboard, sitting for long periods of time, walking and driving; occasional standing for long periods of time, pushing/pulling, bending/squatting and stair climbing; Frequency of Lifting-Frequent lifting of 5 lbs. or less; Visual Requirements-Constant use of overall vision, hand/eye coordination, depth perception and reading/close-up work; frequent need for color perception and field of vision/peripheral; Dexterity-Frequent holding, reaching, grasping, repetitive motion and writing; Hearing/Talking-Constant hearing of normal speech, talking in person and talking on the telephone; frequent hearing on the telephone/radio; occasional hearing of faint sounds and talking over a public address system; Emotional/Psychological Factors-Constant public contact, decision making and concentration; frequent exposure to emergency situations; occasional exposure to trauma, grief or death, heights, working alone, working weekends/nights and overtime/travel; Environmental Conditions-Frequent cold, heat (outdoor), rain and snow; occasional exposure to noise and cold and heat (indoor).
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.