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

Under general direction, provides skilled social work services to cases requiring maximum service, and involving a variety of complex social problems and treatment plans.

Social Worker III positions in the Social Services Agency, Department of Family and Children's Services work in a variety of assignments connected to child safety, well-being, and permanency. The Social Worker III duties may include:

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. The Department of Family and Children’s Services continues to serve the diverse population of the county and is strongly looking for individuals with language abilities in Vietnamese, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, ASL, among others. If you speak a second language fluently, please specify that on your application.

The ability to speak fluently in the chosen language will be tested. Candidate must take and pass the required Level II language fluency examination (i.e., ability to speak, read and write) for the specified language skill on your application.

CANDIDATES HIRED MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A SIGN-ON BONUS, UP TO $5,000.

A new hire into a position with the Social Services Agency in the classification of Social Worker II or Social Worker III, assigned to any shift, may be eligible to receive a sign-on bonus of up to $5,000 (subject to discontinuation at any time).

In addition to sign-on bonus, this classification is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following dates:

• Effective June 23, 2025 - 4.00% increase
• Effective June 22, 2026 - 4.00% increase

Additional benefits include:

• Paid differentials (e.g. bilingual, assignment) may be given to a hired applicant.
• DFCS Social Worker III assigned to Emergency Response receive a 9% differential above the base salary plan. All other DFCS Social Worker III receive a 6% differential above the base salary plan.

Possession of a Master's degree in Social Work may be required for specific programs.

Learn more about Social Services Agency: Working at SSA - Social Services Agency - County of Santa Clara

Responsibilities when assigned to DFCS include:

• Determining degree of danger and risk of future abuse and neglect and evaluating child's and family's needs for services;
• Recruiting applicants for foster care and adoption;
• Evaluating the suitability of adoptive and foster placements and finalizing adoptions.

Minimum Qualifications:

Possession of a Master's degree in Social Work preferred or possession of a Master's Degree in Behavioral Science, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Psychology, Social Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation or equivalent titles to the above degree from an accredited college.
AND
Three (3) years of social work experience of which two (2) years are equivalent to a Social Worker II in Santa Clara County.
OR
Possession of a Master's Degree in Social Work, as a Title IVE student
AND
Two (2) years of experience equivalent to the classification of a Social Worker II in Santa Clara County.

Master's degree in Social Work may be required by statute for certain positions.

Possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver's permit.

Knowledge of:

• Differential casework treatment techniques;
• Various personality and behavior theories;
• Famil…