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

Job Overview

Under general supervision, the Social Worker II in the Social Services Agency, Department of Family and Children’s Services, works on child safety, well-being and permanency. Responsibilities include receiving and reporting alleged child abuse/neglect, assessing and investigating allegations, developing interventions, providing referrals, monitoring services, removing children from unsafe environments, case management, documentation, safety plans, court reports, courtroom testimony, assessing potential caregivers, placing children in appropriate homes, home visits, and addressing issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health, sexuality, parenting, developmental, immigration, and psychosocial concerns.

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Bilingual and biliterate fluency (speak, read, write) in specified languages will be tested. Candidates must pass the required Level II language fluency examination.

• Receiving and making reports of alleged child abuse and/or neglect.
• Assessing and investigating allegations of abuse and/or neglect.
• Developing appropriate interventions, providing referrals for services, and monitoring services for children and parents.
• Removing children from unsafe environments.
• Providing case management services.
• Preparing documentation, case plans, safety plans, court reports, and other legal documents.
• Providing testimony in court.
• Assessing and evaluating potential caregivers.
• Placing children into appropriate homes.
• Conducting home visits with children, caregivers, and parents.
• Assessing and addressing issues specific to the child's and family's circumstances such as substance abuse, intimate partner violence, mental health issues, sexual abuse, parenting, developmental issues, immigration, and psychosocial–emotional–behavioral issues.
• Receiving assignments in any Department program including, but not limited to, Adult Protective Services (APS), Cal Works Employment Services, SSI Advocacy, In‑Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) and Community Care Services.
• Investigating allegations of abuse and neglect of dependent and elder adults when assigned to APS.
• Investigating allegations of abuse and neglect of minors and determining when removal of the child from the home is necessary when assigned to DFCS.
• Consulting, referring cases, and working actively with other agencies and community groups, legal and medical professionals.
• Managing a caseload accountably.
• Preparing case records, documents, reports and correspondence in a timely manner.
• Interpreting rules, regulations, policies and programs to clients and the public.
• Maintaining a listing of community resources and assisting clients to utilize community resources.
• Developing case plans, court reports and associate legal documents.
• Evaluating compliance with court orders.
• Testifying in court and responding to inquiries regarding court actions.
• Conducting field visits and evaluating compliance with court orders.
• Recruiting applicants for foster care and adoption.
• Evaluating the suitability of adoptive and foster placements and finalizing adoptions.
• Transporting clients within or beyond the county if necessary.
• Testifying in administrative hearings as required.
• Assisting in developing community resources and using them appropriately.
• Assigning as a Disaster Service Worker, as required.

• When assigned to DAAS:
  • Evaluating and assessing yearly service needs based on Medicare and SSI eligibility.
  • Conducting field visits to reevaluate clients’ service needs.
  • Assessing and authorizing new applicants.
  • Consulting, referring cases and working actively with other agencies, community groups, and fair hearing officers.
  • Conducting field visits to hospitals, nursing homes and community care facilities as needed.
• When assigned to DFCS:
  • Determining degree of danger and risk of future abuse and neglect and evaluating child and family needs for services.
  • Recruiting applicants for foster care and adoption.
  • Evaluating the suitability of adoptive and foster placements and finalizing adoptions.

• Possession of a Master’s degree in…