Homeless and Housing Social Service Worker III

Company: County of Sonoma
Location: Santa Rosa
Posted on: November 26, 2022

Job Description:

Position Information The Human Services Department's (HSD) Employment & Training Division seeks experienced Social Service Workers looking for a rewarding career opportunity. Starting salary up to $38.13/hour ($79,581.89/year), plus a cash allowance of $600/month, and a competitive total compensation package! The Human Services Department is currently recruiting to fill one full-time Homeless and Housing Social Service Worker III (SSW III) position in the Employment & Training Division's Housing Assistance Response Team (HART) unit. The Homeless and Housing Social Service Worker III will work within the SonomaWORKS Housing Support Program (HSP) assisting homeless families in finding and sustaining permanent housing, and may also be asked to assist in other housing programs within the unit as needed. They will be responsible for providing outreach, conducting assessments, case management, and additional wrap-around supportive services that are an essential part of housing retention and stability. As a member of the Interdepartmental Multi-Disciplinary Team (IMDT) through ACCESS Sonoma, this position will work collaboratively with other departments and community organizations to assist mutual clients. Additional responsibilities include: Interviewing homeless clients in crisis situations involving social, emotional, financial, medical, or marital problems in order to assist with services
Assessing, evaluating, and providing wrap-around support to clients referred to the program, which may require psychological and health assessments and regular follow-up
Preparing treatment plans and outlining courses of action
Ensuring clients are connected with services related to mental health, substance abuse, and domestic abuse
Providing information to clients about resources within the agency and in the community, and assisting clients in selecting and using appropriate resources
Interpreting and explaining rules, regulations, and departmental policies relative to programs and services
Counseling clients to identify personal strengths and potential barriers and setting priorities
Providing clients with intensive services when experiencing crises such as homelessness and domestic abuse
Researching and inputting data into case management systems
Providing clients with training opportunities and assisting with setting arrangements to use relevant services
The ideal candidates will possess: Substantial experience working with those experiencing homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, poverty, and/or other significant barriers
Strong caseload management skills with a familiarity of Safety-Net programs
Community care coordination, mental health, and/or case management experience
Strong interview, assessment, and writing skills
Experience working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities
A desire to meet clients and providers out in the community
Experience with the Microsoft suite and the ability to learn new data programs
Familiarity with CalWIN, MEDS, and HMIS is desired but not required
About the Human Services Department (HSD) HSD fosters a positive work environment, where our commitment to providing opportunities for advancement is strengthened by a robust staff development program. We believe in the merits of work/life balance and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that our work contributes to the betterment of our community. As the largest agency in Sonoma County government, our mission is to protect vulnerable children and adults, and to promote maximum independence and well-being for individuals and families. HSD is responsible for child and adult protective services, veteran services, and administration of state and federal programs, including CalFRESH, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and In-Home Supportive Services. The department is dedicated to providing high quality, client-focused, cost-effective services and values the diversity, integrity, teamwork, leadership, and accountability of all staff in accomplishing the mission of the Department. The Department works collaboratively at the federal, state, and local level to find creative solutions to support the health, safety, and well-being of individuals, families, and the community. To meet that goal, the Department has fostered strong relationships with other public and private sector partners, including other government agencies, community-based organizations, and business leaders. For more information regarding HSD's services please visit What We Offer Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing your contributions work to better our shared community. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including: A hybrid telework schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending upon assignment
Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
County paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance of up to $500 and ongoing education/training opportunities
County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits directory. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) vacancies as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment. The Civil Service title for this position is Social Service Worker III. APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED. Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, graduation from college, with a degree in social work, sociology, psychology or other behavioral science; and two years experience at the level of Social Service worker II. OR Academic course work at a college or university in social work, psychology, sociology, and other behavior science; and four years of progressively responsible experience in a social work agency at least two of which were at the level of Social Service Worker II would provide such opportunity. License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Considerable knowledge of: the basic principles and theories of sociology and psychology including abnormal psychology, human growth and development, group and family dynamics; principles and techniques of interviewing and recording social case work; principles of individual and group behavior; provisions of federal, state, and local welfare programs and the laws, rules and regulations governing their applications; community organizations and resources; socioeconomic conditions and trends; current problems and methodology in public social service. Working knowledge of: supervisory techniques and practices. Ability to: assess and evaluate data and develop an effective course of action; apply laws, rules, and regulations to welfare department operation; interpret social service programs to applicants, recipients, and the public; make effective use of resources and services in the community; develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients, departmental staff, public and private Social Service agencies, community based organizations and the public; accept and use consultative supervision and act effectively under stressful situations; control personal bias and apply social work ethics; input data, reports and narratives into a computer system; keep detailed records and prepare reports and correspondence. Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the application, examination, and department selection processes.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored. The selection procedure will consist of the following examination: An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants. Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position. HOW TO APPLY Applications are accepted online at: Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted. The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need. HR Analyst: EP
HR Tech: EV

Keywords: County of Sonoma, Santa Rosa , Homeless and Housing Social Service Worker III, Other , Santa Rosa, California