Job Information
Ventura County Social Worker I/II/III/IV in Ventura, California
Social Worker I/II/III/IV
Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ventura/jobs/newprint/4561857)
Apply
Social Worker I/II/III/IV
Salary
$41,281.57 - $79,772.86 Annually
Location
Ventura and may require travel throughout Ventura County, CA
Job Type
Full-Time Regular
Job Number
1791HSA-24AA (KLM)
Department
Human Services Agency
Opening Date
07/01/2024
Closing Date
Continuous
Description
Benefits
Questions
Description
Empower older adults and families to access available resources and services by becoming a Social Worker for Ventura County!
As a Social Worker, you will play a crucial role in formulating care plans based on comprehensive assessments to manage the interconnected physical, social, and socioeconomic factors that affect the health and well-being of older adults and people with disabilities. You will serve as a navigator and expediter, enabling older adults, families, and caregivers to understand and choose among the available health and social services. As a Social Worker, you will empower older adults, people with disabilities and their families/caregivers to find appropriate services, facilitate family support, provide counseling and direct services, and coordinate care delivered through professional systems.
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– We support work life balance by offering compressed work (e.g., 9/80 workweek) for most positions subject to organizations needs, satisfactory performance, and the completion of a probationary period.
Telework Schedule – We offer 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, Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) is charged with the responsibility of promoting the development and implementation of a comprehensive coordinated system of care that enables older individuals, children and adults with disabilities, and their caregivers to live in a community-based setting. VCAAA advocates for the needs of those 60 years of age and older, people with disabilities and their caregivers in the county, providing leadership and promoting citizen involvement in the planning process as well as in the delivery of services.
THE POSITION
Under immediate (I) or general (II, III, IV) supervision, provides and authorizes social services to eligible applicants and aid recipients; and performs related duties as assigned.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
We are seeking applicants who are empathetic, consistent, and solution focused. Ideal applicants have the ability to engage families from diverse backgrounds, faith systems, national origins, sexual and gender orientations, ages and abilities while navigating service systems to provide effective case management. Additional characteristics we seek include excellent interpersonal skills, organizational and time management skills, detail-orientation, and a positive outlook which embraces technology in an ever-changing environment. An advanced degree in social work or related field, bilingual skill in English and Spanish, and considerable experience working with seniors and individuals with disabilities that demonstrates a substantive knowledge of community resources for seniors and individuals with disabilities is highly desired.
Ideal candidates will possess the following competencies:
Adaptability & Flexibility – Responding positively to change and fluidly modifying behavior as the situation requires
Communication – Respectfully delivering pertinent, truthful, and timely information and comprehending information delivered by others
Conflict Management – Preventing, mitigating, and resolving disputes and other interpersonal tensions
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving – Analyzing and evaluating information, problems, and options with logic and good judgment
Customer Service – Ensuring consistent, responsive, and superior delivery of services to internal and external stakeholders
Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging – Embracing the County’s commitment to valuing individuals with varied backgrounds, promoting equal access and opportunity for all, and empowering others in their unique strengths
Information Gathering – Proactively obtaining facts and data needed to effectively answer questions, solve problems, or complete projects
Professional Integrity & Ethics – Demonstrating high standards of conduct and consistently adhering to sound moral principles
Safety Focus – Vigilantly identifying and proactively addressing potential health risks and occupational hazards to ensure the wellbeing of self and others
Self-Management – Exemplifying personal organization, dependability, and self-discipline
Team Orientation – Embracing a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to cooperating with other to achieve shared goals
Writing – Using text to effectively communicate information
DISTINGUISHING CLASSIFICATION LEVELS
Each level in the Social Worker I/II/III/IV 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.
Social Worker I (SW I) - $19.85 - $27.78 hourly depending on directly related experience
SW I is the trainee level classification where emphasis is on learning casework methods, procedures, policies and carrying a caseload under close supervision. Incumbents in this classification are expected to progress toward competency as a SW II.
Social Worker II (SW II) - $25.05 - $31.95 hourly depending on directly related experience
SW II is the journey level classification and works more independently than a SW I. The incumbent demonstrates a working knowledge of casework methods, procedures, policies and carries a caseload under general supervision.
Social Worker III (SW III) - $25.61 - $34.21 hourly depending on directly related experience
SW III is the advanced journey level worker classification providing complex services under general supervision. It is distinguished from the next higher classification, SW IV, by the latter classification's assignment of more complex caseloads requiring greater skill and depth of job knowledge in assessing problem situations and formulating plans for services.
Social Worker IV (SW IV) - $27.36 - $38.35 hourly depending on directly related experience
SW IV is the lead level worker classification providing the most complex services under general supervision. It differs from the next higher classification of Supervising Social Worker in that the latter supervises a unit of social workers.
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:
Works closely with client and their support network to provide the needed services to keep the person in the community as opposed to a nursing facility.
Determines extent of clients' needs, authorizes specific tangible social services available, develops care plans (plans of treatment) and follows through with case management of services which are appropriate to the situation.
Prepares and maintains case reports, records, and answers correspondence.
Evaluates social, physical and cognitive functioning of clients through interviews, home visits, record reviews, or consultation with applicable agencies and individuals.
Interprets departmental policies, rules and regulations for service applicants, clients, other agencies and the public.
Depending on program, may work to transition an individual from an acute hospital or nursing facility back to the community.
Conducts group presentations and outreach as required.
Performs other related duties as required.
In addition to above duties, the SW IV may also perform the following duties:
Assists in the training of new workers, provides consultation to lower level social workers, and serve as supervisor in the absence of Supervising Social Worker
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 which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge and abilities. The required knowledge and abilities also can be obtained by:
Social Worker I: a Bachelor's degree with 30 semester (45 quarter) units in social work, counseling, psychology or a closely related field; OR at least four (4) years of experience equivalent to that of an Eligibility Interviewer or a Community Worker.
Social Worker II: a Bachelor's degree with 30 semester (45 quarter) units in social work, counseling, psychology or a closely related field plus at least one (1) year of experience as a social worker; OR at least one (1) year of experience as a Social Worker I in County Service.
Social Worker III: a Bachelor's degree with 30 semester (45 quarter) units in social work, counseling, psychology or a closely related field plus at least two (2) years of experience as a social worker. One (1) year of graduate coursework towards a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) or a closely related graduate degree may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience; OR at least one (1) year of experience as a Social Worker II in County service.
Social Worker IV: a Bachelor's degree with 30 semester (45 quarter) units in social work, counseling, psychology or a closely related field plus at least three (3) years of experience as a social worker. At least one (1) year of graduate coursework towards a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) or a closely related graduate degree may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience; OR at least one (1) year of experience as a Social Worker III in County service.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license.
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.
Some positions, require willingness and ability to work some evenings and weekends, as necessary.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Social Workers will be required to make home visits to client's residence which may be unsanitary or unsafe, and may be exposed to chronically ill, uncooperative, and non-compliant individuals, and individuals that may have undiagnosed and untreated mental health issues.
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 (MSW) or related field.
Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Experience working with older adults and/or individuals with disabilities
Experience working in a multi-disciplinary work environment
Experience working with Evidence Based Programs
Strong organizational and time management skills
Proficiency in MS Word and MS Excel
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 July 23, 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 social work, aging and older adults, social service resources, and interpersonal skills 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.
ELIGIBLE LIST: Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year. 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 SW IV 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 workplace. 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
Do you possess or have the ability to obtain prior to appointment, and maintain a valid California driver license?
Yes
No
02
Are you willing and able to work some evenings and weekends, as necessary?
Yes
No
03
Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.
No high school diploma or GED
High school diploma or GED
1 to less than 60 semester units of college course work
60 or more semester units of college course work, but no degree
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree or higher
04
Please indicate the major field of study for the highest level of education you indicated above.
Social Work
Human/Social Services
Marriage and Family Therapy
Gerontology
Counseling
Sociology
Psychology
Other field of study closely related to this position
Other field of study not related to this position
N/A
05
If you marked "Other field of study closely related to this position" in the question above, please indicate the field of study for your highest level of educational achievement, list relevant courses, and explain how it relates to this position. (Indicate "N/A" if not applicable.)
06
Which option below best describes your full-time progressively responsible experience equivalent to that of an Eligibility Interviewer or a Community Worker within a human/social services delivery system?
(NOTE: Full time is considered 40 hours per week; anything less than that must be prorated.)
None
Some to less than 1 year
1 to less than 2 years
2 to less than 3 years
3 to less than 4 years
4 to less than 5 years
5 to less than 6 years
6 to less than 7 years
7 to less than 8 years
8 to less than 9 years
9 to less than 10 years
10 or more years
07
Please describe experience equivalent to that of an Eligibility Interviewer or a Community Worker within a human/social services delivery system. In your response, include:
a. Name of employer(s) where you obtained this experience
b. Duties performed in this role
If you do not have this type of experience, please type "no experience".
08
Which option below best describes your full-time progressively responsible experience as a Social Worker?
(NOTE: Full time is considered 40 hours per week; anything less than that must be prorated.)
None
Some to less than 1 year
1 to less than 2 years
2 to less than 3 years
3 to less than 4 years
4 to less than 5 years
5 to less than 6 years
6 to less than 7 years
7 to less than 8 years
8 to less than 9 years
9 to less than 10 years
10 or more years
09
Please describe your experience and responsibilities, in detail, providing social work to clients and managing a social worker caseload. Include the employer(s), length of employment and a description of your duties and responsibilities.
If you do not have this type of experience, please type "no experience.
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
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
Are you bilingual in English and Spanish?
Yes
No
13
Depending on assignment, the following working conditions are required of Social Workers:
• Duties may require considerable home visits, court appearances, and travel, both locally and out of county.
• Social Workers may encounter intense reactions from families and others and exposure to unsanitary conditions in the course of performing their job duties.
• 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
14
Please acknowledge your understanding and acceptance, by marking "Yes" below, that incumbents 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, incumbents 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
Apply
Please verify your email address Verify Email