JOB
The Orange County Department of Social Services is seeking to fill two CPS Social Worker positions. The work involves the responsibility for providing professional social work services for children and families where child abuse, neglect and/or dependency have occurred, which includes assessments/investigations of in-home services or foster care/permanency planning. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Social Work Supervisor III, with some leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work and in making decisions regarding client/family needs and requests. Supervision is not required of this class. Does related work as required.Bilingual applicants with fluency in English and Spanish are encouraged to apply.Hiring range is based on the Orange County Social Services Step Plan. The Step Plan is based on years of CPS Social Worker experience. Full credit is given for years of experience performing the same job functions. Partial credit is given for years of experience performing related job functions. The top half of the scale is reserved for career employees with senior level experience in the same role. * This is a safety sensitive position and participation in the Drug and Alcohol Program and a Background Check is required.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Examples of Essential Functions: Following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned. Receives and records Child Protective Services referrals and forwards to the supervisor for review and assignment; screens referrals and makes recommendations to the supervisor regarding acceptance or non-acceptance for investigation. Provides comprehensive assessments including the areas of psychological/ psychiatric, medical, legal, and educational, to make a decision regarding best interests and safety for a child or family; prepares for home visits including but not limited to background checks. Determines the risk of the child and recommends a priority rating and category of referral ensuring urgent situations are responded to immediately; routes information to appropriate personnel as required by law and/or departmental policy and provides crisis intervention. Removes and relocates children at high risk for serious imminent maltreatment from alleged perpetrators. Assesses alleged child victims of maltreatment and their families; interviews children with age-appropriate techniques within mandated timeframes. Coordinates medical exams of possible physical/sexual abuse victims.Interviews parents, guardians, caretakers, and all adults in the home and assesses the family’s home environment; develops a protection plan with child's parents and guardians to ensure child's safety. Works with families and children to reduce risk factors and strengthen family functioning whenever possible. Provides direct foster care services to children and families to achieve safe and timely permanence. Integrates assessment information; reviews with supervisors to formulate an appropriate case disposition. Maintains regular contact with the child and placement provider and provides counseling and makes referrals for other services when applicable. Conducts ongoing assessments for assigned caseload to assess home and school adjustment and ensures the medical and emotional needs are met maintaining current documentation at all times. Consults with professionals to ensure the completion of a comprehensive assessment of the child’s needs, including a strategy for meeting those needs in the child’s out-of-home service plan. Receives and/or reviews various records and reports such as reports of abuse and neglect, medical evaluations, child forensic evaluations, law enforcement reports, and previous CPS records.Prepares court reports and Permanency Planning reviews; works within the judicial system. Prepares and/or processes various records and reports such as court reports, diagnosis of family functioning, safety plans, and letters. Works with language translators. Confers with and assists co-workers, as needed.Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments. Adheres to the department’s safety rules and regulations.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND POSSIBLE HAZARDSAbility to physically perform (with or without reasonable accommodation) basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions of the hands/wrists. Must be able to perform medium work up to 50 pounds occasionally, and/or yp to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, perform extensive reading and operate a computer terminal. Worker is subject to possible hazards that include emotional stress due to the nature of interactions with clients or service providers, irate clients and/or family members who may be hostile, resistant or violent. Worker is subject to potentially infectious bodily fluids while assisting with a family or child. Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer