SENIOR SOCIAL WORKER

Job Specification

Class Code: SN5 Analyst: LM, TC, CL

Date Originated:     Date Revised: 8/83, 2/84, 7/90, 5/99, 3/05, 7/17, 11/23

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under direction, to carry a service caseload and to provide the most specialized, sensitive and difficult casework services; to perform lead/consultative services to other social service staff; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Factors used in allocating positions to classes in this series include: complexity, sensitivity and difficulty of casework problems; duration and level of casework intervention and therapy; authority for decision making; likelihood and consequence of error; the emergency or crisis nature of services; degree of supervision received; and lead/consultative responsibilities for other Social Workers.

Senior Social Worker is the super journey level. Incumbents spend a substantial part of their time on the most difficult, sensitive and specialized services where major case decisions are made independently and where consequence of error may be significant. Advanced casework skills, a high degree of program knowledge, judgment and creativity are required. Incumbents may, as an additional duty, serve as an alternate supervisor or in a lead/consultative capacity.

TYPICAL TASKS

Family Stabilization

• Provides intensive case management and services to address immediate crisis situations and needs;
• Helps to increase family success through intensive case management and to link families to services to help minimize and address barriers to help families achieve self- sufficiency;
• Carries a caseload of CalWORKs recipients and uses assessment results to develop a service plan and conducts follow-up and monitoring of the plan to ensure compliance;
• Works with the Employment Services staff to allow for optimum collaboration between staff on shared clients.

CARe Team Integrated Services

• Provides medical case management and support to individuals living with HIV and Hepatitis C;
• Develops, coordinates and implements a plan of care to support medical, legal, housing, benefits, mental health and substance use services;
• Supports clients in the clinic, home and community settings.

Ryan White Program

• Completes in-depth assessments of patients living with HIV/AIDS;
• Assesses patient psychosocial functioning, coordinate with public health nurse and other clinicians for patient medical assessment;
• To develop coordinated care plan to help patient with medication adherence;
• Assesses and refer patients to services based on level of risk, health status and needs;
• Provides medical adherence monitoring and education services; provides referrals to other services such as dental care, mental health counseling and substance abuse services with clinician guidance.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Social casework objectives, principles, methods, and caseload management and organization;
• Social and economic factors which influence family life;
• Principles of human behavior and development and psychological defense mechanisms;
• Reactions to stress;
• Interviewing and record keeping techniques, including the documentation of all actions and contacts in case files;
• Specialized program area to which assigned.

Working knowledge of:

• Laws, policies and administrative procedures of County social service programs;
• Use and abuse of medications may be required for certain positions;
• Techniques used to locate and determine client assets may be required for certain positions;
• Investment techniques and management of finances may be required for certain positions;
• Principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and leadership.

Some knowledge of:

• The principles and techniques of supervision and training may be required for certain assignment.

Ability to:

• Perform the most complex and specialized casework services with considerable independence;
• Deal with crisis situations;
• Deal with hostile, aggressive and abusive persons;
• Provide leadership and consultation to other social workers in casework concepts and methodology;
• Communicate and relate effectively with clients, who may be emotionally or mentally disabled, medically disabled, elderly, substance abusers, victims of domestic violence or fiduciary abuse;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, including clients, family members and others who may be under distress or duress;
• Locate, develop, and use community and agency resources for the benefit of clients and advocate for services on behalf of clients;
• Facilitate maximum client participation in service plans;
• Manage assigned caseload and establish caseload priorities to meet client needs and agency expectations;
• Perform as a lead worker over a small group of social workers may be required for some positions;
• Prioritize and respond to demands of caseload in a prompt and efficient manner;
• Recognize and analyze problems, gather relevant information, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, respond to case details promptly, and communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing;
• Maintain current and accurate records;
• Learn complex laws and regulations and apply them appropriately in management of assigned caseload;
• Work effectively under pressure and deadlines;
• Administer the estates of mentally or medically disabled persons is required for certain positions;
• Represent conservatees and payees in matters related to their well-being, including hiring, setting goals and procedures for, and monitoring providers and caregivers is required for certain positions.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. Typical ways to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

1. Two years of experience performing social service casework services equivalent to a Social Worker II in Santa Cruz County

OR

2. A Master's Degree in social work

OR

3. A Master's Degree from a two-year counseling program from an accredited college plus one year of social service casework experience.

The Master’s Degree in social work must be obtained within 90 days from the date of employment.

Special Requirements:

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License or must be able to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority may be required for certain positions. Certain positions may require a Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree because of State requirements.

Bargaining Unit: 41 EEOC Job Category: 02

Occupational Grouping: 66

Workers’ Compensation Code: 0285