Extra Help Social Services Worker II

County of Tulare; Visalia (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Tulare is seeking an Extra Help Social Services Worker I to support multiple county departments with client services. You will manage a moderate caseload, interview clients, assess needs, and develop service plans in alignment with program guidelines.

The role requires the ability to assess resources, interpret policies, make home visits, and maintain confidential records. Education typically involves two years of college in behavioral or social sciences, with substitution possible for

Qualifications

• Equivalent to two years of college level study in the behavioral or social sciences or a closely related field.
• Directly related program specific experience may be substituted for education on a ratio basis.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload with cases of moderate difficulty.
• Interview clients to assess needs and develop basic service plans.
• Assist applicants and recipients in utilizing available resources.
• Interpret policies, rules and regulations for clients and others.
• Make home calls in connection with case work assignments.

Skills

Social service principles

Interviewing techniques

Caseload management

Communication skills

Record keeping

Education

Two years college in behavioral or social sciences

Job description

Applications will be reviewed by Tulare County Human Resources & Development. As extra help positions become available, County departments with the job openings select the most qualified and appropriate applicant for the position available. The number of hours and duration of employment varies by each assignment. Extra help employees may work in a variety of County departments in locations throughout the geographic county area.

Extra help employees may not work more than 1,559 hours in any fiscal year from July to June. An extra help employee who mistakenly works in excess of 1,559 hours in a fiscal year does not become a probationary or regular employee. Applications will be active for six months. There are no benefits associated with extra help positions.

• Manage a case load which includes cases of moderate difficulty involving basic types of social service problems.
• Interview clients to ascertain the nature of their problems, determine social service needs, develop service plans, and carry out basic social service treatment plans.
• Assist applicants and recipients in utilizing available resources for their needs.
• Interpret policies, rules and regulations of the department to clients and others.
• Make home calls in connection with case work assignments.

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of two (2) years of college level study in the behavioral or social sciences or a closely related field.

Education Equivalency:

• Directly related program specific experience may be substituted on a ratio of one (1) year specific experience equivalent to one (1) year of education

Experience:

• One (1) year of experience equivalent to a Social Services Worker I in the County of Tulare.

Equivalency for Experience:

• One (1) year of directly related program specific experience may be substituted on a ratio of (1) one year of experience equivalent to a Social Services Worker I in the County of Tulare.

Knowledge of:

• Basic social service principles and practices.
• Counseling methods and techniques.
• Interviewing methods and techniques.
• Basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Caseload management methods and techniques.
• Community resources available to assist clients.
• Terminology and vocabulary relevant to social work and social service programs.
• Components of treatment plans and their development and implementation.

Skill/Ability to:

• Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers.
• Operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment.
• Develop, implement and monitor treatment plans.
• Identify the need for social services.
• Interview and counsel clients to obtain information and assist with problem solving.
• Research and define problems, collect information, organize and analyze material, draw valid conclusions and formulate recommendations.
• Negotiate with clients, establish goals and objectives and come to an agreement on a plan of action for resolving their problems.
• Manage a caseload.
• Read, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Write clear, concise and grammatically correct case narratives, reports, records and correspondence.
• Follow verbal and written instructions and seek guidance when appropriate.
• Retain and recall information.
• Adjust to changes in workload, coordinate work with others and work under stress of meeting deadlines.
• Organize work in a step-by-step order.
• Establish rapport and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Use patience, tact and courtesy in dealing with people under various circumstances and under emotional stress.
• Keep systematic and accurate records.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information and materials.
• Work under stressful situations.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.

DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations.
• Dynamics of child abuse and neglect.
• Problems faced by the aged.
• Problems faced by the long term unemployed.

Skill/Ability to:

• Speak, read and write Spanish, Hmong or other client language.
• Plan, organize and make effective presentations.

Conditions of Employment

Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act

This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER