Social Worker III-Social Services Agency-DAAS

Full Job Description

Under general direction, provides skilled social work services to cases requiring maximum service, and involving a variety of complex social problems and treatment plans.
This list will be used to fill any current or future vacant positions Adult Protective Services (APS) within the Social Services Agency, Department of Aging & Adult Services (DAAS). Social Worker III's in these departments provide services to elder, disabled, and/or dependent adults.

In Adult Protective Services (APS) program, Social Worker III's may be assigned to receive, assess, and document reports of Elder or Dependent Adult abuse and neglect, investigate allegations, and document case-related activities. The ability to apply critical thinking skills and to develop professional collaborative partnerships with multi-disciplinary teams, county and community programs and law enforcement agencies are highly desired. A Master's Degree in Social Work is preferred for Social Worker III positions in APS.

Bilingual candidates and those with a cultural competency in serving persons with diverse backgrounds, including Latino, African and Asian Ancestry are encouraged to apply. If you speak a second language fluently (i.e., Vietnamese, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, etc.), please specify that on your application.

The ability to speak fluently (speak, read & write) in the chosen language will be tested. Candidate must take and pass the required language fluency examination (i.e., ability to speak, read and write Spanish) for the specified language skill on your application (extended offer is contingent upon passing all pre-employment requisites - language certification and background check).

CANDIDATES HIRED MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A SIGN-ON BONUS, UP TO $5,000.
A new hire into a position with the Social Services Agency in the classification of Social Worker II or Social Worker III, assigned to any shift, may be eligible to receive a sign-on bonus of up to $5,000 (subject to discontinuation at any time).

In addition to sign-on bonus, this classification is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following dates:
Effective June 22, 2026 - 4.00% increase
Effective June 21, 2027 - 4.00% increase

Additional benefits include:
Paid differentials (e.g. bilingual, assignment) may be given to a hired applicant.
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Requirements

• Receives assignments requiring specialized and/or intensive casework where cases are likely to involve emotional difficulties and chronic adjustment problems in departments;
• Investigates allegations of abuse and neglect of dependent and elder adults when assigned to Adult Protective Services (APS); investigates allegations of abuse and neglect of minors, often under time constrains, and determines if removal of the child from the home is necessary when assigned to DFCS;
• Manages a caseload accountably;
• Evaluates client problems, develops complete treatment plans and follows each case through to solution;
• Develops case plans, court reports and associate legal documents;
• Testifies in court and responds to inquiries regarding court action;
• Conducts field visits and evaluates compliance with court orders;
• Consults, refers cases, and works actively with other agencies and community groups, legal and medical professionals;
• Establishes and maintains effective case work relationships;
• Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing;
• Prepares case records, documents, reports and correspondence in a timely manner, as required;
• Interprets rules, regulations, policies and programs to clients and the public;
• Acts as a resource specialist;
• Knows and maintains listing of community resources and assists clients to utilize community resources;
• May be required to testify in administrative hearings;
• Knows and assists in developing community resources and uses them appropriately;
• Transports clients in county, out of county, out of state and out of country if necessary;
• Acts as a resource specialist;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Services Worker, as required;
• Performs related work as required.

When assigned to DFCS:

• Determines degree of danger and risk of future abuse and neglect and evaluates child's and family's needs for services;
• Recruits applicants for foster care and adoption;
• Evaluates the suitability of adoptive and foster placements and finalizes adoptions

Qualifications

Possession of a Master's degree in Social Work preferred or possession of a Master's Degree in Behavioral Science, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Psychology, Social Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation or equivalent titles to the above degree from an accredited college.
Three (3) years of social work experience of which two (2) years are equivalent to a Social Worker II in Santa Clara County.
Possession of a Master's Degree in Social Work, as a Title IVE student
Two (2) years of experience equivalent to the classification of a Social Worker II in Santa Clara County.
Master's degree in Social Work may be required by statute for certain positions.

Possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver's permit.