Social Worker III (#RS3403)
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$35.00-$42.54 Hourly / $6,066.54-$7,373.92 Monthly / $72,798.58-$88,487.14 Yearly

Under direction, provides advanced social casework and related services to clients in either Child Protective Services, Adult Services, or specialized services programs within the Human Services Agency; and does related or other work in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

This is the first advanced level in the Social Worker series. Incumbents at this level are expected to have an understanding of social services theory and practice that has been gained through a bachelor's level education combined with substantial work experience. Positions are assigned to Child Protective Services or Adult Services, and incumbents perform social casework, counseling, and related activities with substantial independent judgment and authority. The specific duties and assignments may vary depending upon area of assignment.

The Social Worker III class is distinguished from the Social Worker II in that a Social Worker II performs social casework with less independent judgment and authority than a Social Worker III. This class is also distinguished from the Social Worker IV class in that a Social Worker IV is expected to apply additional experience gained to perform casework and related duties with a greater degree of independent judgment and authority than expected of a Social Worker III.

• Supervises a caseload for clients requiring social services.
• Interviews clients in their homes, in the office, or via telephone to assess their needs and problems; evaluates individual and family case information; determines appropriate types and methods of treatment; initiates long- or short-term treatment plans; makes referrals to other agencies, organizations, or divisions within the department when appropriate; works with service providers to meet client needs; and advocates on behalf of clients.
• Researches, evaluates, develops, and carries out, in cooperation with the client, financial and basic social treatment plans; assesses and evaluates progress in case plan.
• Makes home visits to assess housing and health conditions and family relationships; refers cases of suspected abuse and/or neglect to appropriate unit.
• Investigates referrals and provides services to clients where their physical or emotional welfare is involved; provides services for individuals incapable of protecting themselves.
• Coordinates service plans with supervisor, eligibility workers, service providers, and other agencies.
• Prepares case records, reports, and correspondence, including documents for the Courts, and maintains appropriate controls; utilizes computer systems to input and retrieve information related to social service cases.
• Interprets and communicates policies, rules, and regulations of the department to clients, service providers, and the general public within the scope of responsibility; confers with supervisor regarding caseload problems.
• Attends court proceedings and testifies in court.
• Arranges for guardianship or conservatorship of clients.
• Participates in specialized activities depending on client population that include provision of adoption services, investigation of abuse and/or neglect, including financial abuse; renewal of conservatorships and evaluations of care homes/facilities; processes applications for service and assistance from clients, relatives, care providers, prospective adoptive parents, or others in need of help; recruits, studies, and selects adoptive homes, board and care facilities, and other care settings; places clients into care facilities as appropriate; assists care providers and institutional staff in meeting the need of clients.
• Performs comprehensive assessments of client's psychological, physical, social, and environmental needs; works with client and interdisciplinary team to develop a realistic service plan.

The principles and techniques of social work and of the role and function of the public social service agency; individual and group behavior of families, children, seniors, and disabled adults with emphasis on growth, development, aging, and family relationships; physical and mental illnesses and their impact on personality; principles of gerontology and the aging process; social casework objectives, principles, and methods; the socio-economic factors that promote stable family life and an understanding of the elements that affect family security; social service research methods; community organizations and the use of public or private community resources; personal computer systems; principles of report writing; principles of public relations; principles of planning, organization, research, and analysis; principles of training and development; and state and federal laws and regulations, with particular emphasis on compliance requirements and funding allocations.

Establish rapport with clients and their families; analyze situations and take effective action; understand relevant laws, rules, and regulations; work cooperatively with fellow employees and the general public; effectively apply casework knowledge and skills; utilize supervision and direction effectively to meet the agency's program goals; communicate effectively orally and in writing; work cooperatively with fellow employees and the general public; prioritize work; and operate a personal computer and other office equipment.

Mobility-Frequent operation of computers; repetitive motion; sitting for extended periods; walking; frequent driving may be required; Lifting-Ability to frequently lift 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 60 pounds; Vision-Constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Dexterity-Normal dexterity with frequent writing and repetitive motions; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing and talking on the telephone and in person; Emotional/Psychological-Constant public contact; decision making and concentration; frequently working alone and exposure to trauma, grief, and death; occasional exposure to noise; emergency situations; Special Requirements-Some assignments may require occasional 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.