Job Description

Salary: See Position Description

Location : Santa Maria, CA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 25-7056-01 (O/DSS)

Department: Social Services

Opening Date: 01/06/2025

Closing Date: 1/21/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Description

SOCIAL SERVICES WORKER SALARY: $63,780.30 - $76,280.06 Annually

*SOCIAL SERVICES WORKER SENIOR PS/L SALARY: $72,673.12 - $87,139.52 Annually

plus bilingual allowance when applicable

Help Families and Individuals Thrive in your community. Join our team as a Social Service Worker.

We are accepting applications to fill current vacancies in the Social Services Department. The current vacancies are in Santa Maria and Lompoc for the Social Services Department.

We are also establishing a list for future vacancies in the Social Services Department, Sheriff's Office, and Public Defender's Office. Vacancies may be available in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, and Lompoc . Candidates interested in the Sheriff's Office or Public Defender's Office must be available and willing to work at All Locations throughout the County. To be considered for future vacancies in the Sheriff's Office or Public Defender's Office, applicants must select "All Locations" in the location section of the application as well as in the supplemental questionnaire.

*NOTE: The Social Services Department may appoint candidates at the Social Services Senior PS/L level if they meet the employment standards of a Social Service Worker plus two years of professional social work experience and at the department's need and discretion.

BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. Click on the Benefits Tab above or visit

Applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

POSITION : Under direction, performs social work and other related duties as required.

Incumbents in the Department of Social Services will initially be working under close supervision in a training status and are expected to learn departmental organization, social service programs, case study methods, and casework services and perform without close supervision within one year. Trainees assigned to work in child/adult protective services may perform more difficult social service work. Upon completion of training, incumbents are expected to perform journey-level social service work. Incumbents carry a complex social service caseload in such areas as child protective services, adult protective services, and in-home supportive services, supplemental security income advocacy services, or in a locked facility.

Incumbents in the Public Defender's Office for this position work within the Community Defender Division. The Community Defender Division (CDD) continues to provide compassionate and tireless advocacy and services for our clients while simultaneously seeking long-term systemic changes to improve the lives of our most vulnerable citizens. CDD combines the knowledge and expertise of social workers, housing advocates, resource specialists and attorneys to address the entire person and all of the underlying causes for involvement with the criminal justice system. Clients have been assisted in the following areas this year: finding housing, addressing substance abuse, connection with medical insurance, assistance in mental health treatment, and overall case management for those of varying intellectual abilities.


DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This class is the entry-level to professional social service work. Incumbents initially work under close supervision in a training status and are expected to learn departmental organization, social service programs, case study methods, and case work services and to perform without close supervision within one year. Trainees assigned to work in child/adult protective services may perform more difficult social service work. Upon completion of training, incumbents are expected to perform journey-level social service work. Incumbents carry a complex social service caseload in such areas child protective services, adult protective services, as in-home supportive services, supplemental security income advocacy services, or in a locked facility.

Examples of Duties

• Conducts in-home or on-site visitations to interview clients, family members and other interested parties to assess needs for social services; gathers and evaluates information regarding employment history, housing situation, physical functioning, financial status, capacity for independent living and availability of domestic services; evaluates clients concerns and observes behavior; develops service plans and establishes case files.
• As a protective service worker, investigates reports of child or vulnerable adult abuse, neglect and/or exploitation; assesses the degree of immediate risk to the child/adult and takes necessary action to minimize the risk; coordinates activity with other agencies and involved parties including relatives, school personnel and officers of the court.
• Develops service and treatment plans, evaluates client and/or family behavioral adjustment and monitors client progress toward delineated objectives; counsels clients using a variety of counseling modalities.
• Counsels clients on available resources, barriers to employment, independent living skills and other areas involving defined problems or concerns; explains procedures, rights and responsibilities.
• Assists clients in identifying and obtaining basic services needed for independent living; identifies and makes referrals to a variety of public and community agencies providing food, shelter, clothing, medical, educational and other services; schedules client appointments; acts as client advocate in obtaining services.
• Manages assigned caseload; prepares narrative and statistical reports, documents and correspondence regarding client status; documents case files; prepares and serves legal documents; testifies in court and State Hearings.
• Identifies and assesses suitability for out-of-home care placements and conducts on-site visits to assess living conditions

Employment Standards

• Possession of a bachelor's degree including 30 semester or 45 quarter units of course work in social work, psychology, counseling, sociology, child development, geriatrics, or other behavioral or health sciences; OR,
• Two years of experience equivalent to Eligibility Worker or Social Services Case Aide with Santa Barbara County, plus 30 semester or 45 quarter units of course work in social work, psychology, counseling, sociology, child development, geriatrics, or other behavioral or health sciences related to social work; OR ,
• A combination of training and experience that is equivalent to the experience requirement listed in #2 above; however, candidates must also possess the 30 semester or 45 quarter units of course work in a related field of study.

Note : Applicants who are currently in their final quarter or semester of study leading to the required degree are encouraged to apply. Such applicants may compete in the examination process but may not be considered for appointment until they have attained the required degree. Additional Qualifications : The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish is required for some positions.

Note : If you indicated on your application that you are bilingual, Human Resources will place you on the employment list for a job requiring bilingual skills. Hiring departments may test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certifications or removed from the employment list, in accordance with Civil Service Rule 7.

Additional Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is required at the time of appointment.
• Independent travel, including transportation of client, within the county, throughout California, out of state, or country is required.
• Will be required to work outside normal business hours and be available on call.
• Positions allocated to this class may require bilingual skills.

The following Additional Requirements apply only to the Department of Social Services:

• Selectees for employment in this class must, as a condition of employment, sign a statement agreeing to comply with Section 11166 of the California Penal Code relating to child abuse reporting and Section 15630 of the Welfare and Institutions Code relating to dependent adult abuse reporting.
• Selectees for positions in this class assigned to Child Welfare Services are subject to being fingerprinted for the purpose of criminal record clearance, as authorized under Section 11105.3 of the California Penal Code and Section 16501 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

Knowledge of : basic functions of social service systems, public assistance or non-profit social services; practical application of human behavior and child development/parenting or aging principles; socioeconomic/psycho-social factors affecting individual behavior, independent living social functioning and social abnormalities; organizational and time management methods; report writing principles including rules of correct grammar, punctuation and sentence structure; basic computer skills and word processing applications.

Ability to : learn, apply and explain complex regulations and policies governing processes of assigned program; interview a variety of people with diverse socio-economic backgrounds and temperaments; work independently; understand and follow direction; listen; cope with unusual life circumstances; manage a caseload and recall case details; maintain confidentiality of information; write clear, accurate and concise reports and prepare routine statistical reports; organize and prioritize work assignments; make decisions and independent judgments; determine the appropriate course of action in emergency or stressful situations; understand program objectives in relation to departmental goals and procedures; deal firmly and fairly with clients; maintain accurate records and document actions taken; identify and make referrals to local and regional providers of social, medical and/or other specialized services; act on behalf of client to obtain needed services; operate a computer in the completion of assignments; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Spelling and Grammar Online Assessment: Candidates will be notified by email with instructions on obtaining and taking an online Basic Spelling and Grammar assessment. Candidates must pass the assessment in order to advance to the next step in the selection process.
3. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking : Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire.

Applicants must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

VETERANS PREFERENCE POINTS: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability. To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the application deadline, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

BACKGROUND CHECK AND MEDICAL EVALUATION: Sheriff's Office and Public Defender's Office will conduct a background investigation. Current or excessive use of drugs, sale of drugs, serious criminal history, or deception relating to employment history may bar employment. Other departments may require an extended background check including credit history; this is at the discretion of each department. The following process is only used for the Sheriff's Office:

• Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Once candidates are placed on the employment list, the Human Resources Department will email candidates a notice regarding completion of a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ).

Candidates who pass the PHQ and are in the top certified group, their names will be sent to the hiring department for consideration. Top candidates will be invited to a selection interview. Selected candidate will advance to the next step in the hiring process, which includes the following:

• Polygraph Examination: measures the accuracy of information disclosed on the PHQ and during the background investigation.
• Background Investigation: includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of arrest records, personal and virtual character, military, credit, and employment history; inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature judgment in areas such as the use of drugs and intoxicants; are honest; and a safe driver.

BACKGROUND DISQUALIFIERS FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE:

• An admission of having committed any act amounting to a felony within five years in California, or in another state which would be classified as a felony in California
• An adult felony conviction in California, or with a conviction for an offense in another state which would be classified as a felony in California
• Currently on Probation or Parole
• Adult felony and/or misdemeanor conviction(s) may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and how recent
• Conviction of/or sustained petitions for any sex crime
• Recent use and/or possession of illegal drugs; Failure to reveal prior use will be disqualifying
• Unfavorable work history
• Poor credit history
• History of committing domestic violence
• Dishonesty or failure to reveal pertinent information

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Statement of Commitment

The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 01/21/25, 4:59 pm . Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at

DSS Recruiter: Jasmine Gaytan, email at

Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit:

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:

*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.

01


I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.

• I understand

02


As part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand

03


The Human Resources Department communicates with all applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly, is current and that you check spam filters continuously during the recruitment and selection process to ensure you do not miss required deadlines.

• I understand

04


Below is a list of departments that utilize the Social Services Worker job classification. Please select the department(s) you are interested for current and future vacancies. Please keep in mind that during the life of the employment list, some of these departments may not have vacancies. This is your only opportunity to make your selection. Please note that the current vacancies are in the Social Services Department.

• Social Services Department: in the Department of Social Services will initially be working under close supervision in a training status and are expected to learn departmental organization, social service programs, case study methods, and casework services and perform without close supervision within one year. Incumbents carry a complex social service caseload in such areas as child protective services, adult protective services, and in-home supportive services, supplemental security income advocacy services, or in a locked facility. To learn more visit:
• Sheriff's Office: in the Sheriff's Office performs social work in an inmate discharge setting by creating release plans that will ensure proper community supports are in place, including residential treatment facilities, health care applications, and other community resources; performs related duties as required.
• Public Defender's Office: in the Public Defender's Office for this position are within the Community Defender Division. The Community Defender Division (CDD) continues to provide compassionate and tireless advocacy and services for our clients while simultaneously seeking long-term systemic changes to improve the lives of our most vulnerable citizens. CDD combines the knowledge and expertise of social workers, housing advocates, resource specialists and attorneys to address the entire person and all of the underlying causes for involvement with the criminal justice system. Clients have been assisted in the following areas this year: finding housing, addressing substance abuse, connection with medical insurance, assistance in mental health treatment, and overall case management for those of varying intellectual abilities.

05


Please keep in mind, if you are interested in working with the Sheriff's Office; you will be required to complete and pass a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ), Polygraph, and Background Investigation. If you fail any portion of this process with the Sheriff's Office, you can still be considered for the other departments selected.

• I understand

06


If you selected Public Defender's Office and/or the Sheriff's Office , these positions require that you are willing to work at All Locations within the County of Santa Barbara and you are agreeing to these terms, regardless of your selection on your applications. For the Public Defender's Office, locations would include Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. All candidates hired, can be placed at any location and transferred to another location during your employment with the County.

• If you selected Public Defender's Office and/or the Sheriff's Office, these positions require that you are willing to work at All Locations within the County of Santa Barbara and you are agreeing to these terms, regardless of your selection on your applications. For the Public Defender's Office, locations would include Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. All candidates hired, can be placed at any location and transferred to another location during your employment with the County.
• I do not agree to the terms above, and understand that I will be disqualified from this recruitment for the Public Defender's Office and Sheriff's Office. I may still be considered for the Social Services Department.

07


In order to be considered for employment, all applicants must meet one of the employment standards (minimum qualifications) listed below at the time of application. Please check which employment standard you meet. All information may be verified. If your job experience and/or education within your application do not clearly reflect how you meet the employment standard you selected, your application will not be accepted.

• Possession of a bachelor's degree including 30 semester or 45 quarter units of course work in social work, psychology, counseling, sociology, child development, geriatrics, or other behavioral or health sciences
• Two years of experience equivalent to Eligibility Worker or Social Services Case Aide with Santa Barbara County, plus 30 semester or 45 quarter units of course work in social work, psychology, counseling, sociology, child development, geriatrics, or other behavioral or health sciences related to social work
• A combination of training and experience that is equivalent to the experience requirement listed in #2 above; however, candidates must also possess the 30 semester or 45 quarter units of coursework in a related field of study

08


Applicants who are currently in their final quarter or semester of study leading to the required degree are encouraged to apply. Such applicants may compete in the examination process but may not be considered for appointment until they have attained the required degree.If you are in your final quarter or semester of study of a Bachelor's degree, please provide the name of your pending degree (including major and minor, if applicable), and anticipated date of completion. Failure to provide this detailed information may lead to disqualification.You may skip this question if this does not apply to you.

09


Please check ONLY if you possess a bachelor's degree in one of the following areas of study. If your degree is in one of the specified areas, you do NOT need to list coursework.

• Social Work
• Psychology
• Counseling
• Sociology
• Child Development
• Geriatrics

10


If you have a bachelor's degree, but it is NOT in social work, psychology, counseling, sociology, child development, or geriatrics, you MUST list each of the qualifying course titles and corresponding semester or quarter units (minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter) completed in the areas of social work, psychology, counseling, sociology, child development, geriatrics, or other related behavioral or health sciences. If you do not clearly indicate courses and units that meet the requirements, your application will not be accepted. If not applicable, type N/A

11


If you DO NOT have a bachelor's degree and believe you meet the Employment Standards under # 2, your application must clearly indicate the required job experience equivalent to Eligibility Worker or Social Services Case Aide with Santa Barbara County AND you must clearly list below, the course title(s) and the number of semester or quarter units (minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter) completed in the areas of social work, psychology, counseling, sociology, child development, geriatrics, or other related behavioral or health sciences. If you do not clearly indicate courses and semester or quarter units that meet the requirements, your application will not be accepted. If not applicable, type N/A

12


If you DO NOT have a bachelor's degree and believe you meet the Employment Standards under #3, you are required to have a combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the experience requirement listed in #2. You MUST list the title of coursework and the number of semester or quarter units completed in the areas of social work, psychology, counseling, sociology, child development, geriatrics, or other related behavioral or health sciences. In your application, you must also thoroughly describe all work experience and/or other training or experience gained that provides the knowledge and abilities required, as listed in the job bulletin. If not applicable, type N/A

13


Please select your area of experience, including any internships and/or volunteer w

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Part time, Traineeship, Work experience placement, Internship, Second job, Local area, Immediate start, Remote job, Trial period, Relocation package, Felony friendly, Flexible hours,

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