Social Worker III-Social Services Agency-DAAS

Overview

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

Eligible for a sign‑on bonus of up to $5,000, subject to discontinuation at any time.

Effective June 22, 2026 – 4.00% increase
Effective June 21, 2027 – 4.00% increase

• Receives assignments requiring specialized and/or intensive casework where cases are likely to involve emotional difficulties and chronic adjustment problems.
• Investigates allegations of abuse and neglect of dependent and elder adults when assigned to Adult Protective Services (APS).
• Investigates allegations of abuse and neglect of minors, often under time constraints, and determines if removal of the child from the home is necessary when assigned to DFCS.
• Manages a caseload accountably.
• Evaluates client problems, develops complete treatment plans and follows each case through to solution.
• Develops case plans, court reports and associated legal documents.
• Testifies in court and responds to inquiries regarding court action.
• Conducts field visits and evaluates compliance with court orders.
• Consults, refers cases, and works actively with other agencies and community groups, legal and medical professionals.
• Establishes and maintains effective case work relationships.
• Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Prepares case records, documents, reports and correspondence in a timely manner, as required.
• Interprets rules, regulations, policies and programs to clients and the public.
• Acts as a resource specialist.
• Knows and maintains listing of community resources and assists clients to utilize community resources.
• May be required to testify in administrative hearings.
• Knows and assists in developing community resources and uses them appropriately.
• Transports clients in county, out of county, out of state and out of country if necessary.
• Acts as a resource specialist.
• May be assigned as a Disaster Services Worker, as required.
• Performs related work as required.

• Determines degree of danger and risk of future abuse and neglect and evaluates child's and family's needs for services.
• Recruits applicants for foster care and adoption.
• Evaluates the suitability of adoptive and foster placements and finalizes adoptions.

• Possession of a Master’s degree in Social Work preferred or equivalent to a Master’s Degree in Behavioral Science, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Psychology, Social Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation or other equivalent titles from an accredited college.
• 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.