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.

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.

Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process.
All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. See Resume is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

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.

Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

Social Worker I - Adoptions: This is the entry-level classification in the Adoptions Social Worker series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and provide advanced social services casework in the area of adoptions, requiring coordination with county welfare departments, public and private social services, adoption agencies, public and private attorneys, judges, and other representatives of the court system. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and complex;

close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions as the Social Worker II - Adoptions but are not expected to function at the same skill level.

Social Worker II - Adoptions: This is the journey-level classification in the Social Worker Adoptions series. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks and handle more difficult, sensitive and specialized cases. This class requires advanced casework skills, a high degree of program knowledge, judgement, and creativity. Positions in this class may be assigned to Children’s Services and are expected to manage caseloads involving physically, sexually, and emotionally abused and/or neglected children.

Positions in the Social Worker - Adoptions class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the II-level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications;

and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level. This is an advanced level classification in the Social Worker series.

Typical functions may include any of…