Social Worker II - Department of Family and Children Services; DFCS

Social Worker II - Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS)

Under general supervision, the Social Worker II assesses client needs and develops treatment plans across a range of social service functions.

• Receive and make reports of alleged child abuse and/or neglect.
• Assess and investigate allegations of abuse and/or neglect.
• Develop appropriate interventions, provide referrals, and monitor services for children and parents.
• Remove children from unsafe environments and provide case management services.
• Prepare documentation, case plans, safety plans, court reports, and other legal documents.
• Provide testimony in court and assess potential caregivers.
• Place children into appropriate homes and conduct home visits.
• Address issues specific to children and families such as substance abuse, intimate partner violence, mental health, sexual abuse, parenting, developmental, immigration, and psychosocial problems.

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. The Department seeks individuals fluent in Vietnamese, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, ASL, and other languages. Fluency will be tested and a Level II language fluency examination must be taken and passed.

• Sign‑on bonus up to $5,000 (subject to discontinuation at any time).
• Effective June 22, 2026 – 4.00% salary increase.
• Paid differentials: 9% for Emergency Response assignment; 6% for other DFCS assignments.
• Additional benefits include health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off.

• Master’s degree in Social Work preferred (or equivalent in Behavioral Science, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Psychology, Social Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation, or other accredited program).
• Two (2) years of social work experience OR Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (or equivalent) with four (4) years of social work experience.
• Graduate training in an approved school of social work or related fields may substitute for experience (year‑for‑year).
• Valid California driver’s license and ability to maintain a County Driver’s permit.

• Principles, objectives, and techniques of social work.
• Differential case‑work treatment techniques and various personality and behavior theories.
• Family systems, individual and group behavior, human growth and development.
• Bio‑psycho‑social economic factors, community organization, and resources.
• Rules and regulations relating to public social service agencies.
• Interviewing, investigative, and intervention techniques.
• Computer applications such as word processing and spreadsheets.
• Ability to establish productive case‑work relationships, work cooperatively, interpret complex laws, prepare and present reports, manage caseloads, and use community resources.

For more details and  the County of Santa Clara careers page.