Social Worker IV - HHSA Social Services Division

For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule, website.

Effective January 1, 2025, employees will receive Social Services Division (SSD) Retention Pay as follows:

One and a half percent (1.5%) upon the completion of twelve (12) months of consecutive service in the SSD;

or Three percent (3.0%) upon the completion of thirty-six (36) months of consecutive service in the SSD;

or Four and a half percent (4.5%) upon the completion of sixty (60) months of consecutive service in the SSD.

Under general supervision, to regularly carry a specialized caseload of the most difficult cases determining the services required by Department of Human Services applicants or clients; to perform the most complex specialized studies and develop comprehensive client service plans; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the most advanced specialist level in the Social Worker class series. Incumbents perform needs assessments, develop service plans, and regularly carry the most complex specialized services caseloads requiring substantial previous experience in social work. Assignments are usually in the areas of adoptions or adult or child protective services. This class is distinguished from Social Worker III in that incumbents are assigned the most complex, specialized casework in adoptions or adult or child protective services on a regular basis. This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position.

REPORTS TO

Social Worker Supervisor

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

Some positions may provide lead or project direction for other staff.

Applies the more complex social work principles and techniques to a specialized case load which regularly includes the most difficult and specialized services problems, such as adoptions or adult or child protective services; determines clients service needs and develops and carries out comprehensive social services plans; refers clients to other staff members, as necessary; diagnoses special client problems and develops and follows through on special client treatment plans; assists clients with the utilization of community resources; may testify in court; serves as clients' advocate; interprets Human Services Department rules, regulations, and policies for clients and the general public; makes home visits necessary for case services; develops and maintains case records and documentation; may be assigned to special projects and studies; attends in-service and other training courses designed to further an incumbents understanding of social work processes; consults with other professionals regarding cases; performs community outreach efforts; may serve as a lead worker or project director.

Knowledge of:

• Socio-economic conditions and trends.
• Principles of individual and group behavior.
• Principles of interviewing and problem-solving methodologies.
• Public human service programs at the federal, state and local levels.
• General principles of public assistance policies and programs and related case administration techniques.
• Goals and purposes of public assistance and human services programs.
• Principles and methods of individual and group counseling.
• Current issues in the field of social welfare.
• Impacts of physical and mental health on personality.

Desired Skills:

• Carry a caseload and develop and carry out service plans for the most complex adoptions, adult protective services, or child protective services cases.
• Understand and apply the laws, rules and regulations governing the programs, operations, and services of the county Human Services Department.
• Utilize a variety of interviewing techniques and methods and document social casework progress.
• Refer clients to community agencies and resources which enhance employment or human service programs, or assist with adoptions or protective services.
• Understand and carry out department programs, policies, and procedures.
• Obtain facts and analyze information, drawing sound conclusions.
• Gather, organize, analyze, and present a variety of data and information.
• Analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Maintain the confidentiality of case records.
• Develop and prepare clear and concise records and reports.
• Effectively communicate with people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Explain complex rules and programs so they can be easily understood by others.
• Provide lead and/or project direction for other staff, as assigned.
• Effectively represent the Human Services Department in contacts with clients, the public, community organizations, other county staff, and other government agencies.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

- Possession of a Master's Degree in Social Work or a Master's Degree from a two year counseling program.

Special Requirements:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid and appropriate driver's license.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, FAX, and other related peripheral equipment such as printers and scanners; and operate a motor vehicle.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an office environment; sometimes works in a home environment; work may involve stressful situations and include dealing with erratic and sometimes threatening behavior; continuous contact with other staff and the public; may operate a motor vehicle over county roads in a variety of weather conditions; may travel in a motor vehicle and/or airplane for short or long distances.

• Social Workers assigned to Child Welfare Services receive a premium of five percent (7.0%) of their base rate of pay.

• Effective January 1, 2025, non-exempt employees will receive Social Services Division (SSD) Retention Pay as follows: One and a half percent (1.5%) upon the completion of twelve (12) months of consecutive service in the SSD; or Three percent (3.0%) upon the completion of thirty-six (36) months of consecutive service in the SSD; or Four and a half percent (4.5%) upon the completion of sixty (60) months of consecutive service in the SSD.