Social Worker III-Social Services Agency-DAAS

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

This list will be used to fill any current or future vacant positions in Adult Protective Services (APS) within the Social Services Agency, Department of Aging & Adult Services (DAAS). Social Worker III’s in these departments provide services to elder, disabled, and/or dependent adults.

• Receive, assess, and document reports of Elder or Dependent Adult abuse and neglect; investigate allegations; document case-related activities.
• Apply critical thinking skills and develop professional collaborative partnerships with multi-disciplinary teams, county and community programs, and law enforcement agencies.
• Develop and implement treatment plans, court reports and associate legal documents; testify in court and respond to inquiries regarding court action.
• Conduct field visits, evaluate compliance with court orders, and consult with other agencies and community groups, legal and medical professionals.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; prepare case records, documents, reports and correspondence in a timely manner.
• Interpret rules, regulations, policies and programs for clients and the public; act as a resource specialist, maintaining a current listing of community resources and assisting clients to utilize them.
• May be required to testify in administrative hearings; may be assigned as a Disaster Services Worker as required; perform related work as required.
• Transport clients in‑county, out‑of‑county, out‑of‑state and out‑of‑country if necessary.

• Determine degree of danger and risk of future abuse and neglect; evaluate the child’s and family’s needs for services.
• Recruit applicants for foster care and adoption.
• Evaluate suitability of adoptive and foster placements and finalize adoptions.

• Master’s degree in Social Work preferred; alternatively a Master’s degree in Behavioral Science, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Psychology, Social Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation or 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 III student and two (2) years of experience equivalent to 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 and experience with culturally diverse populations; bilingual candidates and those with a cultural competency in serving persons with diverse backgrounds (including Latino, African and Asian ancestry) are encouraged to apply. Fluency in a second language (e.g., Vietnamese, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish) will be tested and required to pass the language fluency examination.
• Bonus: candidates hired may be eligible to receive a sign‑on bonus of up to $5,000 (subject to discontinuation at any time). Salary range increases scheduled for Effective June 22, 2026 – 4.00% increase and Effective June 21, 2027 – 4.00% increase
  . Additional benefits include paid differentials for bilingual or assignment qualifications.

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