Social Worker I​/II – Adoptions Specialist

Overview

This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2026.

This position requires a Master’s Degree in Social Work.

This recruitment is for level I and level II.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs specialized social services casework involving, or at-risk children or; conducts social studies and develop service plans which may include the need for specialized social services; provides information about available adoption services and resources and may arrange referral of clients to appropriate departmental or community resources; performs other duties as assigned.

FLSA:
Non-Exempt

The salary range for level I is $2,256.00 - $3,023.20 biweekly ($28.20 - $37.79 per hour).

The salary range for level II is $2,492.00 - $3,339.20 biweekly ($31.15 - $41.74 per hour).

New employees generally start at the beginning of the salary range. The salary range has 7 steps with employees typically starting at step 1 and moving to step 2 upon the completion of a successful one year probationary period. Each year thereafter, upon completion of successful performance, employees move to subsequent next step. Each step represents a 5% increase.

Education and Experience:

Master’s degree in Social Work; and

Social Worker I – Adoptions: Upcoming graduates may supply a letter from their attending university stating impending graduation date of their degree program and verification of credits needed for graduation, which will allow placement on list of eligibles. Actual hiring of position will not occur until after graduation date.

Social Worker I - Adoptions: One (1) year experience in Social Work or Behavioral Science providing direct client services.

Social Worker II - Adoptions: Three (3) years experience in Social Work or Behavioral Science providing direct client services.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

• Conducts case studies providing recommendations for Adoption or Guardianship when appropriate.
• Responds to adoption inquiries; enrolls adoptive parents in adoptive services; determines child’s legal eligibility for adoption.
• Assesses the physical, social, emotional, and economic factors present in prospective adoptive families, and suitability of children for families.
• Makes decisions and prepare full factual reports to the court with recommendations for or against granting petitions for adoption and recommend alternate plans when needed.
• Prepares appropriate case records including narrative recordings and supporting documentation as required by statutes.
• Reports to the court with recommendations regarding permanent plans for children, court actions to terminate parental right, guardianship petitions, existence of parental relationships, necessity for parental consent and withdrawals of consents.
• Conducts placement studies required under the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.
• Informs birth parent(s) of their alternative prior to relinquishing children for adoption or consenting to the adoption and determine the readiness and capability of the birth parent(s) to relinquish or give consent.
• Provides consultative services to other public and private social services regarding adoption planning on other cases.
• Conducts investigations of child abuse recorded at the Child Abuse Registry for prospective adoptive parents; and conducts set-aside investigations and report to the court.
• Participates in pre-planning to identify foster homes to meet the permanency needs of children.
• Inspects home environment for the overall growth and development of the child.
• Counsels, trains, and supervises foster families in meeting children’s needs for permanency.
• Maintains regular contact with the foster families, children and the biological parents to monitor the progress of the child and family through the entire process.
• Prepares evaluation and progression reports and provides suggestions, recommendations or treatment as required.
• Adheres strictly to the state…