Senior Social Worker

Friends Outside; Sonora (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Friends Outside in Tuolumne County is seeking a Senior Social Worker to serve as probation navigator for Prop 47 and Prop 36 referrals, conducting screenings and needs assessments. The role coordinates diversion services, facilitates warm handoffs to community providers, and helps connect youth and families to Medi-Cal, CalFresh, housing, employment, and education supports.

Collaborative work with probation, behavioral health, and schools is essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work.
• At least three years of professional experience preferred.
• Experience collaborating with courts and community organizations preferred.
• Grant-funded program experience and outcome reporting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between Tuolumne County Probation and community-based service providers.
• Coordinate warm handoffs and introductions to improve engagement.
• Provide resource information and ongoing support to youth and families.
• Monitor participation and address barriers to engagement.
• Coordinate referrals to Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and other benefits.
• Schedule appointments and coordinate transportation.
• Support employment, housing, and education program participation.
• Ensure compliance with program requirements and maintain documentation.
• Maintain trauma-informed, client-centered practices in all interactions.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Case management

Diversion services

Collaboration with courts

Trauma-informed care

Education

Master’s degree in social work

Three years professional experience (preferred)

Grant-funded programs experience

Job description

The Senior Social Worker serves as probation navigator for Tuolumne County residents. The Proposition 47 initiative funded through the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Tuolumne’s program serves Prop 47 and Prop 36; referrals will come from the County so we won’t be determining eligibility The position is responsible for conducting screenings and needs assessments, coordinating diversion referrals, and facilitating connections to community-based services that support long-term stability and success.

Working closely with the Tuolumne County Probation and Friends Outside as well as other community partners, the Senior Social Worker promotes diversion opportunities that reduce justice system involvement, improve behavioral health outcomes, and increases access to supportive services. This position requires extensive collaboration with justice, behavioral health, and community-based systems while maintaining a trauma-informed, client-centered approach.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in social work,
• Minimum of three years of professional experience (preferred) providing case management, social services, behavioral health, diversion services, juvenile justice services, or related human services.
• Experience collaborating with courts, probation, behavioral health systems, schools, and community-based organizations preferred.
• Experience with grant-funded programs and outcome reporting preferred.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Work experience within a correctional facility, community corrections, or with a similar population.

Diverion Navigation and Service Coordination

• Serve as the primary liaison between Tuolumne County Probation and community-based service providers.
• Facilitate warm handoffs and direct introductions between clients, families, and service providers to improve engagement and participation.
• Provide resource information and ongoing support to youth and families throughout the referral and engagement process.
• Monitor service participation and address barriers to successful engagement.
• Individualized goal setting and service planning;
• Service navigation and coordination;
• Assistance obtaining identification and other necessary documents;
• Connect clients to programs as needed including: Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and other public-benefit navigation;
• Appointment scheduling, reminders, and engagement support;
• Transportation coordination;
• Assistance accessing employment, education, housing, treatment, and community resources;
• Support compliance with applicable court, probation, treatment, and program requirements;
• Ongoing identification and resolution of barriers to successful participation; and
• Coaching and practical assistance supporting progression toward stability and self-sufficiency.
• Classroom instruction: Job Readiness, Creative Conflict Resolution (CCR), Substance Use, Financial Literacy, Tenant’s Rights and others.

Data Collection, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Maintain accurate case records, referral logs, service engagement documentation, and outcome tracking.
• Collect and report data necessary to meet BSCC Proposition 47 grant requirements.
• Assist with monthly evaluation activities conducted by evaluation partners.
• Track participant outcomes including referrals, service engagement, compliance, and recidivism indicators.
• Contribute to Local Evaluation Plans (LEP), Local Evaluation Reports (LER), and other required grant reports.

Program Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure services are delivered in accordance with BSCC Proposition 47 grant requirements and project objectives.
• Maintain compliance with confidentiality regulations, ethical standards, and agency policies.
• Apply trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strength-based practices in all client interactions.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of program goals.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid California Driver’s License and auto insurance.
• Ability to pass background check.
• Treat staff, colleagues, and clients with respect and dignity.
• Communicate effectively, written and orally.
• Physical capacity to lift and carry containers and materials up to 20 pounds (utilizing safe and accepted methods to avoid injury), walk .25 miles in inclement weather and in the dark, and move quickly, in case of an emergency.
• Support the mission and philosophies of Friends Outside.