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HS Child Welfare Social Worker I/II/III

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HS Child Welfare Social Worker I/II/III

Salary

$59,273.01 - $91,612.99 Annually

Location

throughout Ventura County, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

0141HSA-24AA (KLM)

Department

Human Services Agency

Opening Date

02/23/2024

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Description

Be part of the strength of human relationships and community partnerships by becoming a Child Welfare Social Worker for Ventura County!

As a Child Welfare Social Worker, you will play a crucial role in protecting children by strengthening families. You will perform specialized casework activities including, but not limited to offering supportive services to children and families to ensure healthy relationships and investigating reports of suspected neglect, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, or exploitation. Child Welfare Social Workers work as a part of a collaborative team to provide meaningful case management, placement, certification of resource family homes, and supervision of children and families in the child welfare system.

WHAT WE OFFER

The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes:

• A general salary increase of 3.5% effective December 22, 2024.

• Merit Increases – New employees are eligible for an initial 5% merit increase within the pay range upon completion of at least 1,040 hours (approximately 6 months) assuming work meets satisfactory standards. Subsequent merit increases within the pay range will be upon completion of each additional 2,080 hours (approximately one year) from the initial merit increase.

• Educational Incentive - An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate's degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate degree.

• Bilingual Incentive – Based on agency need, proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I), $1.00 per hour (Level II), or $1.32 per hour (Level III).

• Flexible Workweek/Telework Schedule – We support work life balance by offering compressed work (e.g., 9/80 or 4/10 workweek) and remote hybrid telework schedules for most positions subject to organizational needs and satisfactory performance.

• Vacation Accrual – New regular, full-time employees shall accrue approximately 14 days of vacation a year for the first 10,400 hours or 5 years of service; vacation accruals increase at 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 20 years of service topping out at 26 days a year and 400 hours of vacation hours banked.

• Annual Leave Redemption – After 14,560 hours of continuous County service an employee may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 80 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.

• Sick Leave - Full time regular employees accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave per bi-weekly pay period with an advance at hire of 40.04 hours which will be balanced at the completion of 13 bi-weekly pay periods.

• Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3.00% match on your 401(k) contributions.

• Health Plans–Full time employees are given a flexible credit allowance of up to $23,530 annually to offset the purchase of medical, dental, and/or vision insurance for you and your dependents.

• Employee only - $502 per biweekly pay period

• Employee plus one dependent - $730 per biweekly pay period

• Employee plus family - $905 per biweekly pay period

• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax benefit towards eligible medical, dental and vision care and/or dependent care expenses.

• Pension Plan - Participation in the County's defined pension plan, which has reciprocity with CalPERS.

• Holidays - 12 paid days per year which, includes a scheduled floating holiday.

• Additional Benefits - Tuition Reimbursement, Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Wellness Program.

OUR COUNTY AND COMMUNITY

Ventura County is located on California's "Gold Coast," approximately 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 20 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. The County includes 42 miles of coastline which is home to the fol­lowing cities and points of interest: Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura as well as national protected areas such as parts of the Angeles National Forest, Channel Islands National Park, and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Ventura County’s beauty and weather combined with a wonderful quality of life are among the many reasons our residents choose to call Ventura County "home."

THE AGENCY

To learn about the Human Services Agency, click “Who We Are (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq89F-aztw0) ” to view a short video about our multiple departments.

HSA is comprised of nearly 1400 staff members who serve approximately a third of Ventura County residents, all of whom have unique experiences and perspectives. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and assist communities by bringing these values into the workforce. As part of the Human Services Agency, the Children and Family Services Department believes that families can keep their children safe with support, that children should be cared for in a familiar, nurturing, and safe environment, and that all children deserve the right to grow up with a sense of belonging in a permanent, unconditionally committed, lifelong family.

THE POSITION

Under general supervision, Child Welfare Social Workers perform specialized casework activities concerned with strengthening families dealing with issues of abuse and neglect. These activities include but are not limited to offering support to children and families to ensure healthy relationships and investigating reports of suspected neglect, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse or exploitation. Child Welfare Social Workers work as part of a collaborative teaming to provide meaningful case management, placement, licensure of resource family homes, and supervision of children and families in the child welfare system.

For an Inside Look at being a HS Child Welfare Social Worker, click HERE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfWcYmNfPKU&t=12s) to view a short video.

TRAINING PLAN

Child Welfare Social Workers in Ventura County undergo extensive continuous training to ensure that they have the tools and skills necessary to effectively serve the community. They undergo classroom training in an induction period to introduce them to the field of child welfare, then placement in a year-long field training unit. Additionally, we offer many opportunities for professional development and growth into supervisory and managerial roles, and clinical supervision for state licensure programs.

SUPPORTIVE RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYEES

We recognize that this highly valuable and satisfying work can be demanding. As such, a number of self-care resources are offered to Child Welfare Social Workers, including individual coaching in both the field and office settings, mentorship, resiliency support groups, and a structured peer support program that are incorporated into the workday. In addition, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Wellness Program are supportive resources offered to all Ventura County employees.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are seeking applicants who are empathetic, consistent, and solution focused in their work. Ideal applicants have the ability to engage families from diverse backgrounds, faith systems, national origins, sexual and gender orientations, ages and abilities concerning sensitive issues of child abuse and neglect while navigating service systems to provide effective case management. Additional characteristics we seek include excellent interpersonal skills, strong written and verbal communication skills, exceptional teaming and collaboration skills, and a positive outlook which embraces technology in an ever-changing environment. An advanced degree in social work or related field and experience working as a social worker in a public child protective services agency are highly desired.

DISTINGUISHING CLASSIFICATION LEVELS

Each level in the CWSW I/II/III Series differs from the preceding level in that work is done more independently with less supervision and social workers are expected to function at a higher level of initiative, creativity, self-direction, and independent judgment.

HS Child Welfare Social Worker I (CWSW I) - $28.50 to $38.00/hourly depending on directly related experience

CWSW I is the entry-level classification in the series and works under direct supervision. Emphasis is placed on learning casework methods, regulations, practices and policies. The CWSW I carries a caseload under close supervision; and is expected to progress toward competency as a CWSW II.

HS Child Welfare Social Worker II (CWSW II) - $30.85 to $41.13/hourly depending on directly related experience

CWSW II is the journey-level classification in the series and works more independently than the CWSW I. The CWSW II demonstrates a working knowledge about Child Welfare practices; and is able to work under general supervision.

HS Child Welfare Social Worker III (CWSW III) - $33.03 to $44.04/hourly depending on directly related experience

CWSW III is the advanced journey level classification in the series and works under less supervision than the CWSW I and CWSW II. The CWSW III demonstrates considerable knowledge of Child Welfare policies and regulations.

HS Child Welfare Social Workers are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and are eligible for overtime compensation.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Investigates instances of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

• Offers supportive services to preserve families and assesses if children can remain safely in the home, or need to be placed in resource (foster or kinship) care.

• Makes recommendations for dispositions of dependency cases. Prepares written petitions and reports for the court and may appear in court on behalf of the Department. Works with the Dependency Court system to implement service/case plans and helps families understand the Dependency Court system.

• Case manages families in the child welfare system.

• Collaborates and teams with children and families’ network of support, such as parents, caregivers, relatives, youth, teachers, physicians, mental health professionals, law enforcement, probation officers, representatives of other county, private, and non-profit agencies, and faith-based organizations for joint planning, staffing of service needs, development of service/case plans, evaluation, monitoring of cases, and child and family team meetings.

• Provides preventative and supportive services to children and families at risk of entry into the child welfare system.

• Engages and assists families working toward reunification and maintaining safety in their home.

• Provides resources and referrals to families to help support their needs and achieve service/case plan goals.

• Arranges and monitors relative and community placements for children in out of home care.

• Supports resource families (foster/kinship) to care for children placed into the child welfare system maintain relationships with their families of origin, and provide permanency for those who cannot return to their homes.

• Answers calls that come into the Child/Elder Abuse Reporting Hotline and assesses appropriate responses needed by using available tools.

• Performs other related duties as required.

In addition to above duties, the CWSW III may also perform the following duties:

• Conducts inspections of resource/kinship homes to evaluate for emergency placement, initial license, license renewal, or cancellation.

• Prepares and presents training on procedures, regulations, or specified topics for presentation as needed.

• Provides consultation to, serves as a resource, and may assist other social workers.

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the exam process, they do not assure continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience that has led to the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Additional years of related experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. The knowledge, skills, and abilities can best be demonstrated by one of the following options:

HS Child Welfare Social Worker I

Option No. 1

Possession of a Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) or Social Welfare/Justice;

Option No. 2

Current enrollment in the California Social Work Education Center (CalSWEC/Title IV-E) for Master's degree in Social Work;

Option No. 3

Current enrollment in the final semester of a Master's program at an accredited college or university leading to a Master's degree in social work or related Master's degree that meets the education requirements for a Marriage and Family Therapist license used by the California Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Behavioral Science Examiners. NOTE: Failure to submit proof of completion of the Master's degree within six (6) months of appointment may be cause for termination;

Option No. 4

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to human services AND one (1) year of full-time experience performing social work case management services for either abused, or neglected children and their families or abused, frail, and elderly adults and their families. Social Work case management services should include performing assessments, case planning, case monitoring, and referral;

Option No. 5

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university AND

• One (1) year of full-time experience as a Community Services Worker III or comparable position (such as Case Aide) with the County of Ventura Human Services Agency, Children and Family Services, or Adult and Family Services

• OR one (1) year of full-time experience providing Adult Protective Services, Homeless Services, or journey level or above experience in Employment case management services or as an In-Home Support Services Social Worker with the County of Ventura Human Services Agency;

• OR at least one (1) year of full-time experience as a case management social worker in a public child protective services agency.

HS Child Welfare Social Worker II

Option No. 1

At least one (1) year of full-time experience as a HS Child Welfare Social Worker I with the County of Ventura Human Services Agency;

Option No. 2

Possession of a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), Human Services, Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), or a closely-related field from an accredited college or university;

OR Option No. 3

At least three (3) years of full-time experience as a case management social worker in a public child protective services agency.

HS Child Welfare Social Worker III

Option No. 1

At least one (1) year of full-time experience as a HS Child Welfare Social Worker II with the County of Ventura Human Services Agency;

Option No. 2

Possession of a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), Human Services, Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), or a closely-related field from an accredited college or university AND at least one (1) year of full-time experience as a case management social worker in a public child protective services agency;

OR Option No. 3

At least four (4) years of full-time experience as a case management social worker in a public child protective services agency.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license.

• HS Child Welfare Social Workers are required to furnish their own vehicles for use on the job and are reimbursed for mileage.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire and will be evaluated during the probationary period.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Depending on assignment, duties may require considerable home visits, court appearances, and travel, both locally and out of county/state. In the course of performing their job duties, CWSWs may encounter intense reactions from families and others and exposure to unsanitary conditions. CWSWs may need to reach above and below their shoulders and lift and carry up to 25 pounds with or without assistance. CWSWs are occasionally required to perform after hours standby services.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Worksite reassignments may occur due to changes in facilities or other operational requirements within the business.

COUNTY EMPLOYEES AS DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

When a disaster strikes of natural or manmade origin, Ventura County employees may be called upon to provide service to the community by assisting in emergency response efforts. This may require employees to work in other locations, different hours, and out of class. At the time of hire, all County employees will be required to sign an Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance for Disaster Service Workers and Public Employees (Sections 3102 and 3103, Government Code of California).

DESIRED

• An advanced degree in Social Work or related field.

• Experience working as a social worker in a public child protective services agency.

• Experience preparing professional reports.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• The principles, practices, and techniques used in the administration of programs for the care of abused, neglected, and exploited children.

• Casework theory and practice with emphasis on supportive engagement.

• Cultural humility and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

• Interviewing techniques.

• Child psychology and stages of development.

• The dynamics of abuse and neglect, family systems, and the effect of separation on children and families.

Skill in:

• Written and oral communication.

• Organizational and time management.

• Active listening and critical thinking.

• Social perceptiveness.

Ability to:

• Effectively engage and collaborate with others.

• Interview to gather information about background, needs, and progress.

• Utilize community resources.

• Understand and interpret the provisions of the Juvenile Court rules and laws, the Welfare and Institutions Code, the Penal Code, Continuum of Care Reform, and other related federal, state, and county laws, regulations, and procedures as applied to Child Welfare and Protective Services programs.

• Analyze problems and work collaboratively to reach practical and logical conclusions.

• Interpret Child Welfare Services to the public.

• Prepare clear and concise written and oral reports.

• Facilitate family and team meetings.

• Use provided technology, including mobile systems, for data access, communication, and documentation within various applications and programs.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested. To apply online, please refer to our web site at www.ventura.org/jobs. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009. Your application must be received by County of Ventura, Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

FIRST REVIEW: A first review of applications is anticipated to occur on or around March 8, 2024 and subsequent reviews may be conducted until sufficient applications are received to meet business needs.

Information for Transfer Candidates: NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here (http://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/HR/docs/Lateral_Transfer.pdf) for additional information.

Note: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam AT THE TIME OF FILING. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the recruitment and hiring process to assist in determining qualifications for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in removal of the application from further consideration.

APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the examination process.

WRITTEN EXAMINATION - 100%: An un-proctored, internet based, job-related written examination will be conducted to evaluate participating candidates' knowledge of interviewing principles and techniques, general social services, community resources and social services programs, interpersonal skills, and reading comprehension for successful performance on the job. Examinees must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of six (6) months. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill present and future regular, temporary, fixed-term, intermittent, and extra-help vacancies.

SELECTION INTERVIEW: When a position becomes available, applicants are referred to the employing department for interviews beginning with the highest scoring applicants, moving down the list from the top until the available positions are filled.

NOTE: If appointed at the lower levels, an employee may be promoted to the higher level(s) up to CWSW III without further examination upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record is required for this position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the County of Ventura to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for county employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For further information about this recruitment, please contact Kim Mariscal by email at kim.mariscal@ventura.org or by telephone at (805) 477-5153.

YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE

Service Employees International Union (LOCAL 721)

(SEIU)

To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.

• Benefits website (https://hr.ventura.org/benefits) or you may call (805) 654-2570.

• Retirement FAQ's (https://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/benefits/docs/RETIREMENT%20-%20FAQs.pdf)

• Memorandum of Agreement

Union Codes: UPA, UPC, UPE, UPH, UPI, UPJ, UPT, UWS

01

What best describes your level of education?

• High School

• Some College

• Associate's Degree

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or Social Welfare/Justice

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services

• Bachelor's Degree in Sociology

• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

• Bachelor's or higher level Degree in Counseling

• Bachelor's Degree in a discipline not outlined above

• Master's Degree in Social Work

• Master's Degree - Marriage and Family Therapist

• Master's Degree - LCSW

• Master's Degree in Human Services

• Master's Degree in Sociology

• Master's Degree in Psychology

• Master's Degree or higher level degree not listed above

  02

  Are you currently enrolled in the California Social Work Education Center for Master's Degree in Social Work?

• Yes

• No

  03

  Are you currently enrolled in the final semester of a master's program at an accredited college or university leading to a master's degree in social work or a related master's degree that meets the educational requirements for a Marriage and Family Therapist license used by the California Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Behavioral Science Examiners?

• Yes

• No

  04

  Do you have at least twelve (12) months of full-time work experience performing social work case management services for either abused, abandoned, or neglected children and their families or abused, frail and elderly adults and their families? Social work case management services should include performing assessments, case planning, case monitoring, and referral.

• Yes

• No

  05

  Do you have at least twelve (12) months of full-time work experience as a Case Aide II performing field work assignments or Community Services Worker III, or comparable position, with the County of Ventura Human Services Agency, Department of Adult or Children and Family Services?

• Yes

• No

  06

  Do you have at least twelve (12) months of full-time work experience providing Adult Protective Services, Homeless Services, or journey level or above experience in Employment case management services or as an In-Home Support Services Social Worker with the County of Ventura, Human Services Agency?

• Yes

• No

  07

  Do you have at least twelve (12) months of full-time work experience as a case management social worker in a public children's protective services agency?

• Yes

• No

  08

  If you responded "yes" to any of the questions no. 4 through no. 8, please describe your experience. Include all of the following:

  A. Employer(s)

  B. Time frame(s) (start and end dates in month/year format)

  C. Detailed description of your duties and responsibilities

  NOTE: Employer(s) where you obtained the experience must be included in the previous work experience section to be considered qualifying.

  If you do not have this type of experience, please type "no experience."

  09

  Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain prior to appointment, and maintain a valid California driver license?

• Yes

• No

  10

  Describe your proficiency in the use of automated systems and Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc. For each application/system, include:

  A. Your proficiency level (beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert)

  B. Detailed description of your use of the applications and systems to demonstrate your proficiency. Be thorough in your response to demonstrate the scope of your experience with computer applications and systems.

  If you do not have this type of experience, please type "no experience."

  11

  Child Welfare Social Workers are required to furnish their own vehicle for use on the job and will be reimbursed for mileage. Please indicate if you are willing and able to furnish your own vehicle.

• Yes

• No

  12

  Depending on assignment, the following working conditions are required of Child Welfare Social Workers:

  • Duties may require considerable home visits, court appearances, and travel, both locally and out of county.

  • Child Welfare Social Workers may encounter intense reactions from families and others and exposure to unsanitary conditions in the course of performing their job duties.

  • Child Welfare Social Workers may need to reach above and below their shoulders and lift and carry up to 25 pounds with or without assistance.

  • Child Welfare Social Workers are required to perform after hours standby services as needed.

  Upon review of the required working conditions, please indicate if you are still interested in the position and would like to continue with the recruitment process.

• Yes, I understand and wish to continue with the recruitment process.

• No, I do not wish to continue with the recruitment process.

  13

  Please acknowledge your understanding and acceptance, by marking "Yes" below, that Child Welfare Social Workers in these positions must be available to work outside their normal schedules, as required, in the event of an emergency incident or disaster. This may include evenings, weekends, and extended hours; 24/7 availability during an event may be required. Additionally, Child Welfare Social Workers may be exposed to unhealthy work conditions depending on the nature of the incident or disaster, and must be able to work effectively in a high-stress environment.

If you do not understand, or are unwilling to accept the work conditions described in the statement above, type "No".

• Yes

• No

  Required Question

Agency

Ventura County

Address

800 S. Victoria Avenue LOC. #1970 Ventura, California, 93009

Phone

(805) 654-5129

Website

http://hr.ventura.org

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