Under close supervision learns to determine the need for basic social service functions required by applicants or clients; carries a limited caseload; and performs related duties as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry level in the Social Worker series. Social Workers receive on the job training in the basic principles and techniques of social work and become familiar with the departmental organization, functions, policies and procedures. As experience is gained, employees are assigned limited caseloads. In contrast, Senior Social Worker incumbents are sufficiently trained in providing casework services to function with only general supervision and review.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Attends orientation sessions and reads assigned materials to become familiar with departmental policies, procedures and methods; learns organization and functions of the various divisions of the department; becomes familiar with work routing, procedural questions and related matters.
Interviews clients in their homes or in the office to identify and assess their needs and problems; researches, evaluates, and collaborates with clients to develop a realistic service plan.
Coordinates service plans with supervisors and other staff and agencies with which the client is involved.
Interprets rules, regulations, and policy for communication to clients and the general public within the scope of responsibility; confers with supervisor regarding caseload problems.
Prepares and dictates case records, reports, and correspondence and maintains appropriate controls.
May participate in outreach activities to promote awareness about program goals and services to community groups and agencies.
May participate in meetings, coalitions, or collaboratives to represent the program or the population served by the program.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major in social work, sociology, psychology, counseling or a closely related field.
License: Possession of a valid California driver's license.
KNOWLEDGE
Basic principles of individual and group behavior; general principles of psychology, sociology, economics and social work; principles of interviewing; contemporary social and economic conditions and trends; general office procedures and equipment; principles of documentation and record keeping.
ABILITY
Learn to interpret complex laws and regulations; write clear and concise reports; reason logically and draw valid conclusions; communicate effectively with and establish and maintain client rapport on an individual basis; accept and utilize supervision and training in achieving agency goals; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility—Frequent sitting, standing, and walking for long periods, occasional driving, climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, bending squatting and key board operation; Lifting—ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds; Vision—Constant reading and close-up work and good overall vision; frequent eye/hand coordination, occasional color/depth perception and peripheral vision; Dexterity—Frequent holding, gripping and writing, occasional reaching and repetitive motion; Hearing/Talking—Constant hearing, normal speech, talking in person and on the telephone; occasionally hearing faint sounds; Emotional/ Special Conditions—Constant public contact, decision making and concentration, frequently working alone and exposure to trauma, grief and death; occasional exposure to noise, emergency situations, working weekends/nights, overtime and travel.
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.
Notify Me when a Job Opens for the above position(s)