Social Worker - Early Assessment

Position: Social Worker - Early Start Assessment

We are currently hiring Social Workers – Early Start Assessment to lead the assessment of applicants (0–36 months) who are applying for services under the Early Start program.

Flexibility:
Hybrid schedule, work in clients' homes, in our San Mateo office, or from home. Local travel within San Mateo County is required. Reliable transportation is necessary.

Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC) provided pay range

Base pay range: $58,083.00/yr – $76,810.00/yr

Responsibilities

• Initial Early Start Applicant Assessment: contact the client/family/guardian to schedule an appointment.
• Conduct interviews to gather social, emotional, developmental, and familial information for a home‑based assessment.
• Obtain and review completed intake information; prioritize resources and conduct a needs assessment.
• Clarify service requests and client/family needs; analyze data to identify barriers and opportunities.>
• Design, monitor, and revise Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP) within mandated time frames.
• Work with families to assess needs, preferences, and life choices.
• Confirm immediate needs and arrange necessary interventions or services.
• Review submitted materials and complete application forms with or without client assistance.
• Provide information about GGRC, Early Start, and available services.
• Compile and submit the Early Start Assessment report.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings with interdisciplinary teams and applicants.
• Gather necessary information for the Applicant Developmental Evaluation Report (CDER).
• Collect signed Release of Information forms for additional data.
• Submit completed application packets and releases to the Office Assistant – Intake.
• Coordinate the assessment team's completion of the CDER at the time of eligibility determination.
• Provide information and referrals to applicants who are not eligible for agency services.
• Research available community resources and services.

Compliance – Lanterman Act and Title XVII

• Collect and provide information for the interdisciplinary team.
• Provide intake eligibility services as needed.
• Offer crisis management support.
• Ensure applicants receive appropriate services from community resources.
• Empower applicants and families to fully participate in resource coordination.
• Advocate for applicants in unique circumstances.
• Provide outreach services as assigned.

Reporting and Administration

• Maintain applicant records, case notes, and Title XIX progress notes.
• Prepare written and verbal reports.
• Complete miscellaneous paperwork.

Organizational Support

• Participate in staff and internal meetings and task forces.
• Attend community meetings and activities.
• Assist community resources in improving service quality.
• Identify community service gaps and support development of new services.
• Contribute to special projects and additional duties as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality of applicant information in compliance with HIPAA and the California Lanterman Act.>

Requirements Education / Training

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Early Childhood Education, or related human services field (preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with at least 1 year of experience working with a 0‑36 month population (required).

Experience

• 2+ years of post‑doctoral work with a developmentally disabled population.

Skills

• Interviewing techniques ensuring person‑centered thinking.
• Knowledge of counseling principles, objectives, and techniques.
• Understanding of normal and abnormal individual and group behavior, and human growth and development.
• Ability to maintain clear and concise case records.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Effective oral communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency (MS Word®, Excel®, PowerPoint®, Outlook®).

Competency Traits

• Facilitate discussions and collaboration.
• Gain enrollment by ensuring buy‑in and cooperation of applicants, families, and agencies.
• Empower and guide applicants to take charge of their choices.
• Build partnerships and trust through active listening.
• Creative problem solving.
• Support team members willingly.
• Initiative and information‑seeking.
• Persistence and positive attitude.
• Crisis management and decision making.
• Respect, cultural awareness, and effective self‑management.
• Adaptability.
• Organizational and…