CHILDREN'S SOCIAL WORKER TRAINEE- STIPEND PROGRAM/DCFS INTERNS ONLY

Full Job Description

FILING PERIOD
We will be accepting online applications from Thursday, March 5, 2026, 8:00 a.m. (PT) until Monday, April 6, 2026, until 5:00 p.m. (PT). All Applications must be received before 5:00 p.m. (PT) on Monday, April 6, 2026 to be accepted.

EXAM NUMBER
T9070P

Why work for us?

The County of Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is the largest child welfare agency in the United States.

Established in 1984, our child welfare agency is designed to provide a wide range of protective and social services to needy residents of Los Angeles County.

The Department’s primary focus is ensuring the safety of all its’ clients while focusing on the maintenance of family systems, the reunification of families who have children placed in foster care, and securing permanent homes for children who need this service through adoption planning.

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Requirements

Conducts investigations of referrals alleging child abuse, neglect, and exploitation by performing in-person interviews with children and involved parties; observing children’s safety, well-being, and living conditions; and completing home inspections and caregiver assessments.

Gathers and analyzes information from collateral contacts, multidisciplinary partners, hardcopy records, and County/state databases (e.g., CWS/CMS, SDM, CLETS, DOJ).

Monitors visitation, documents findings, transports clients as needed, and collects photographic evidence when appropriate.

Determines and implements timely interventions—including safety planning, preventative services, or removal—consistent with Federal and California State laws, the Core Practice Model, and Los Angeles County DCFS policies to ensure child safety and family stability.

Evaluates the validity of child abuse or neglect allegations in Los Angeles County by reviewing and analyzing information from multiple sources, including case histories, court reports, school records, medical/mental health documentation, observations of the child and home environment, and official records.

Collaborates with clients, caregivers, law enforcement, medical professionals, and County supervisors to assess the child’s and family’s strengths and needs.

Uses findings to determine appropriate interventions, which may include opening a case, emergency placement, arranging medical or psychological services, coordinating out-of-state/country transport, or other actions that protect the child’s best interests, all in accordance with California and federal laws, County policies, the Core Practice Model, and required timelines.

Provides welfare and protective services to children and families in Los Angeles County by conducting monthly face-to-face visits at the client’s location.

Collaborates with the Child and Family Team (CFT) and other professionals—including law enforcement, medical/mental health providers, school officials, supervisors, and community resources—to ensure the child’s safety and access to culturally appropriate services.

All actions are performed in accordance with California and federal laws, the Core Practice Model, County policies, and within required timelines to support the best interests of the child and family.

Maintains accurate and up-to-date client information by entering data into computerized systems such as CWS/CMS, reviewing client documents (e.g., identification, medical, psychological, school, and legal records), and following departmental policies and procedures.

Ensures all data is complete and submitted within established response times to support timely case management and service delivery.

Prepares and completes a variety of documents, including legal notices, court reports, referrals, memoranda, and mental health screenings, using computerized systems (e.g., CWS/CMS, SDM, Referral Portal) and standard forms.

Ensures documentation accurately records information, communicates relevant details to parents, relatives, legal representatives, and service providers, and initiates appropriate actions such as resource family searches—all in compliance with Federal and California laws, the County’s Core Practice Model, departmental policies, and required response timelines.

Maintains and safeguards confidential client information, including case forms, communications, court documents, logs, photographs, and protected data, by organizing both hardcopy files and electronic records using systems such as CWS/CMS, the SITE, tablets, and smartphones.

Ensures all information is accurately documented and securely stored in compliance with Federal and California laws, departmental policies, and required procedures.

Communicates critical information to children, families, caregivers, law enforcement, attorneys, and agency representatives in Los Angeles County regarding topics such as placement, relinquishment, adoption, legal rights, and court processes.

Provides information clearly and patiently, both in-person and by phone, including written materials in the client’s primary language when needed.

Uses active listening, motivational techniques, and conflict management to promote the child’s well-being, encourage engagement with supportive services, and ensure all parties understand processes and actions.

All communication is conducted in accordance with California law, the Core Practice Model, County policies, and confidentiality requirements.

Provides children and families with services from DCFS and other community resources, including assessments, adoption assistance, family preservation, prevention, substance abuse programs, mental health referrals, and independent living support.

Identifies client needs and coordinates service delivery by scheduling appointments, providing information, or arranging transportation.

Monitors compliance with case plans and court-ordered activities, addresses immediate and long-term needs (e.g., health, housing, education, employment), and reports or responds to suspected child abuse, all in accordance with California laws, the County’s Core Practice Model, and departmental policies.

Resolves day-to-day issues and challenges affecting children and families, including placement difficulties, visitation scheduling and monitoring, case plan adjustments, and crisis management.

Gathers and analyzes relevant information, temporarily cares for children when needed, and collaborates with courts, public and private agencies, law enforcement, schools, medical personnel, and community programs.

Handles conflict, communicates effectively with all parties, and ensures timely and efficient delivery of client services in compliance with Federal and California laws, the County’s Core Practice Model, and departmental policies.

Performs various court-related activities related to client services by examining case history and preparing court reports for hearings; filing petitions; obtaining/reviewing/following court orders; referencing the California Welfare &Institutions Code; preparing and serving warrants; obtaining information from attorneys and County Counsel; reviewing and requesting changes in court orders; coordinating transportation; transporting clients, including lifting children and car seats; providing notice to appropriate parties; completing and obtaining appropriate court-related paperwork (e.g., family law orders, medical reports, toxicology reports, pictures, historical documents, progress letters and certificates of completions of court-ordered programs, etc.); obtaining authorizations for various purposes; and testifying in court, etc.

in order to ensure the protection of a child and the rights of the family; initiate a process related to client services (e.g., termination of parental rights, protective custody warrants, dependency hearings, in-and out/removal of incarcerated parents, delinquency hearings, legal guardianships, etc.); make recommendations to the court; and ensure that all court documents are legally sufficient in accordance with Federal and California State laws and regulations and are completed within established response times or time intervals.

Stays current with knowledge related to children and family social services (e.g., Core Practice Model; changes in Federal and California State laws and regulations; changes in Department policies and procedures; developments in best practices; etc.) by attending professional conferences, training sessions, workshops, and facilitator certification; reviewing information obtained from Department memoranda, policy updates, staff meetings, the Internet, magazines, journals, newspapers, professional publications, etc.

in order to determine its impact on providing effective client services and adapt to changes in Federal and State laws.

Qualifications

Additional Information

Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI)

The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States.

We are committed to promoting Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst races.

We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices.