Social Worker IV; B - Child Welfare Services

Overview

Position Information

Under general direction, the Social Worker IV B performs casework of an advanced nature dealing with complex individual and family problems; undertakes intensive treatment plans and counseling requiring professional knowledge and training; performs other related work as assigned. Social Worker IV B requires a Master’s degree. This is the highest non-supervisory level in the series. Incumbents perform casework requiring the application of high level and sophisticated social services expertise and techniques, generally in areas such as adult and child protective services.

Social Worker IV B differs from the next higher class of Social Worker Supervisor I in that the latter is the first supervisory level. Social Worker IV B differs from Social Worker III in that the latter does not require both a Master’s degree and qualifying experience.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

Social Worker IV B receives supervision from a Social Worker Supervisor or other higher-level supervisor or manager pursuant to California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Manual of Policy and Procedures (MPP) Division 31 regulations (31.070). A Social Worker IV B may provide lead direction to lower-level Social Workers or service employees.

DEEP CLASS ASSIGNMENT

Employees that are assigned on a rotational basis by the HHSA Director to work in the Adult Protective Service Unit, Emergency Response Unit and Continuing Unit within the Children and Adult Services Division of HHSA.

• Performs case studies for the purpose of assessing problems and determining appropriate types and methods of treatment.
• Develops intensive long or short-term treatment plans, which require a comprehensive fund of professional knowledge with the aim of improving or restoring individual or family functioning.
• Ensures all services are delivered in a respectful, culturally sensitive and appropriate manner.
• Acts as a casework consultant to staff members without professional training.
• Functions at a highly skilled level in counseling, protective services, medical social work, family services, community organization and research.
• May perform the following specific types of counseling: marital, family inter-relationship, protective services for children or adults incapable of self-care.
• Investigates and provides services to children where their physical or emotional welfare is involved; cases may include neglect, abuse, emotional or behavioral problems, disabilities, or other health conditions affecting a child’s development.
• Receives reports of children, dependent adults and elderly abuse; investigates allegations, interviews victims and others; assesses situations to protect vulnerable individuals; may remove children from unsafe situations; may provide information to law enforcement or district attorneys; may be required to work on-call; may testify in court; supports witnesses and victims who must testify.
• Assesses prospective foster and adoptive parents; matches children with adoptive/foster families; counsels foster and adoptive families.
• Refers clients to other staff members.
• Coordinates and directly monitors family visitations to assess progress toward case plan goals.
• Interprets and explains rules, regulations and policies to clients and applicants.
• Maintains casework records and handles relevant correspondence.
• Develops and prepares court reports, case plans, case narratives and safety plans in automated computer systems.
• Operates a personal computer and other office equipment; enters and retrieves data and narratives from automated systems.
• Prepares and maintains case records and databases; communicates decisions, timelines, recommendations, and case plans to clients, families, and service providers.
• Communicates effectively with clients and others in writing, in person, and by telephone.
• Analyzes data, interprets directions, procedures and regulations, and develops appropriate responses.
• Performs duties under stressful conditions and emergency situations; maintains confidentiality in accordance with legal standards and NASW Code of Ethics.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Of

• Principles and practices…