Child Welfare Services Business Specialist

Salary: See Position Description

Location : Santa Maria, CA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 23-2177-07 (O/DSS)

Department: Social Services

Opening Date: 07/12/2023

Closing Date: 7/26/2023 4:59 PM Pacific

Description

SALARY:

Level I $6,367.63 – $7,645.82 Monthly

Level II $7,302.31 – $8,785.38 Monthly

The County of Santa Barbara Department of Social Services is accepting applications to fill one current Business Specialist vacancy in Santa Maria for the Child Welfare Services Division.

We are also accepting applications for future vacancies for Child Welfare Services Business Specialists in Lompoc, Santa Barbara and Santa Maria offices.

THE DIVISION:
Santa Barbara County Child Welfare Services helps protect children and preserve families by:

• Assessing and investigating allegations of child abuse or neglect.
• Offering voluntary or court-ordered services to families to ensure child safety in the home and strengthen the family.
• Arranging placements and services for children for whom a safe return home is not possible.

For more information, visit

THE POSITION: The County of Santa Barbara Social Services Department’s Adult and Children Services Branch has an exciting opportunity available for a Business Specialist. In this position, you will have the opportunity to support the Child Welfare Services Program through the delivery of exceptional customer service with a focus on: facilitation of continuous quality Improvement, providing guidance to staff in the proper and efficient application of business process, as well as local, state, and/or federal program regulations, and innovations in service delivery to improve outcomes for children and families.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Department Business Specialist I/II is a professional-level, flexibly-staffed classification series. Department Business Specialist I is the entry level and may lead but would not typically supervise staff. Department Business Specialist II is the journey level and may be assigned supervisory responsibilities over other professional staff.

Candidates may be appointed at the I or II level, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and the needs of the department.

The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess:

• Strong background in public child welfare services programs, such as Emergency Response, Family Reunification, Permanent Placement, etc.
• Knowledge of California Department of Social Services regulations, W&I Code, Penal Code, and Child Welfare policies and practices
• Expertise in California’s CWS case management system (CWS/CMS).
• Strong background in analysis and report writing for a wide variety of audiences
• Ability to develop and conduct professional presentations appropriate for a wide variety of audiences
• Ability to work with staff on process improvement and problem solving
• Ability to multi-task and work under tight deadlines.
• Results-Oriented approach in identifying and implementing improvements/innovations necessary for successful service deliver.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Examples of Duties

1. Researches and analyzes rules, regulations, legislation, and procedures to determine their impact on departmental processes, reporting, and fiscal requirements; develops and recommends policies and procedures; and identifies and validates business process requirements, critical success factors, and fiscal, technological, and environmental constraints and assumptions.
2. Develops written procedures to implement adopted policy or to clarify and describe standard practices; coordinates the development or revision of policies and procedures to support new processes and systems, reduce costs, enhance revenue, and maximize service levels; evaluates organizational impact of changes; prepares response strategies; designs and improves forms; and coordinates publication and dissemination of such material.
3. Serves as liaison with clients and representatives of private businesses, state and/or federal agencies, and other County departments to coordinate special projects and to provide specified administrative services such as budget reports generated from automated financial systems or contracts for services based on an analysis of program needs and available funding; represents the department in the development of, or change in, programs and regulations; and gathers information for use in assigned studies or management decisions.
4. Participates in meetings and presents data to assist managers in making operational and administrative decisions.
5. Acts as program expert in answering staff questions, liaison with auditors on programmatic matters, and may conduct quality assurance reviews on cases.
6. Serves as a liaison with Resource Families, contractors, and /or service providers and may conduct activities including but not limited to outreach, recruitment, retention, training, and oversight.
7. May lead or supervise staff.

Employment Standards

1. Possession of a bachelor’s degree in business administration, sociology, psychology, counseling, child development, geriatrics, social work, public administration, economics, political science, behavioral or health sciences, or closely-related field; OR,
2. Possession of an associate’s degree in business administration sociology, psychology, counseling, child development, geriatrics, social work, public administration, economics, political science, behavioral or health sciences, or closely-related field AND two years of experience that would demonstrate basic knowledge of (a) fiscal management, budgeting, grant preparation and monitoring, and contract management; (b) automated systems; or (c) Child Welfare case management systems OR,
3. Four years of experience that would demonstrate basic knowledge of (a) fiscal management, budgeting, grant preparation and monitoring, and contract management; (b) automated systems; or (c) Child Welfare case management systems; OR,
4. A combination of training, education, and/or experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required competencies.

Note: Applicants who are currently in their final quarter or semester of study leading to the required degree are encouraged to apply. Such applicants may compete in the examination process but may not be considered for appointment until they have attained the required degree.

COMPETENCIES:
Business Knowledge/Technical Skills

• Knowledge of business systems
• Knowledge of and ability to use one or more program, fiscal, or automated systems to meet the business needs of a department

Process Management

• Ability to identify and implement improvements to business processes and systems to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness using logic and other disciplined methods for problem solving and evaluation
• Ability to compile and analyze information, develop recommendations, draw conclusions, and project consequences of actions and recommendations
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and other organizations

Action Orientation

• Ability to plan, organize, manage, and facilitate meeting multiple and conflicting deadlines
• Ability to anticipate the unexpected and resolve issues to achieve goals
• Ability to make decisions in a timely manner

Creativity

• Ability to demonstrate innovation in service delivery

Customer Focus

• Ability to solicit and consider the ideas of others before making decisions regarding the delivery of services that meet customer needs and program requirements
• Ability to incorporate customer suggestions into process improvement
• Ability to establish effective relationships with customers and gain their trust and respect

Directing

• Ability to lead the work of others; plan, organize, and delegate work; and evaluate results
• Ability to encourage collaboration and teamwork

Additional Information:

• Independent travel throughout the county and state will be required. Possession of a valid Class C Driver’s License will be required at the time of appointment.
• Fingerprinting for the purpose of a criminal record check as authorized by Section 16501 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code and Section 11105.3 of the California Penal Code may be required for some positions.
• May be required to occasionally work outside of normal business hours.

Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates’ final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than eleven qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

VETERANS PREFERENCE POINTS: Veteran’s preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of:
(1) honorable discharge from active military service; or,
(2) discharge from a military or veterans’ hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or,
(3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.
To receive veteran’s preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran’s Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the application deadline, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. For information click In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

Statement of Commitment
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County’s mission and to embody a culture of “One County, One Future.” Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 07/26/23, 4:59 P.M. (PST) Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com

For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Jasmine Gaytan at

Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit:

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:

*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.

01

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.

• I understand

02

As part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand

03

The Human Resources Department communicates with all applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly, is current and that you check spam filters continuously during the recruitment and selection process to ensure you do not miss required deadlines.

• I understand

04

In order to be considered for employment, all applicants must meet one of the employment standards (minimum qualifications) listed below at the time of application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide all supporting information directly within the application, even if it is on your resume.

• I understand

05

To be considered for this position your application must CLEARLY state how you meet each of the requirements under the EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard do you clearly demonstrate meeting on your application?

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree in business administration, sociology, psychology, counseling, child development, geriatrics, social work, public administration, economics, political science, behavioral or health sciences, or closely-related field;
• Possession of an associate’s degree in business administration, sociology, psychology, counseling, child development, geriatrics, social work, public administration, economics, political science, behavioral or health sciences, or closely-related field AND two years of experience that would demonstrate basic knowledge of (a) fiscal management, budgeting, grant preparation and contract management; (b) automated systems; or (c) Child Welfare case management systems
• Four years of experience that would demonstrate basic knowledge of (a) fiscal management, budgeting, grant preparation and contract management; (b) automated systems; or (c) Child Welfare case management systems
• A combination of training, education, and/or experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required competencies.
• I do not meet the employment standards
• I am in my final semester/quarter of obtaining my degree (Must answer question 6)

06

Applicants who are currently in their final quarter or semester of study leading to the required degree are encouraged to apply. Such applicants may compete in the examination process but may not be considered for appointment until they have attained the required degree Please indicate if you will be receiving a bachelor’s or associate degree in one of the listed fields, as described in the employment standards and your expected graduation date. Please provide your expected graduation date and major.

07

Your responses to the following questions will be read and scored by a rater. The rater WILL NOT have access to your application/resume or other supporting materials, while reviewing your responses. Although you may have some of this information on your application, you will need to answer the questions completely. In order to give the rater the best opportunity to evaluate your responses, please make sure you read the question carefully and fully answer all the questions asked. This is your only opportunity to provide detailed information. You will also be scored on correct sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation. Failure to provide full and complete answers may affect the outcome of your score and rank on the employment list.

• I understand

08

I understand the Civil Service Examination is a Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. I understand my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used as a weighted, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. Do not enter “see resume” or “see application” as raters will not have access to any information except what you enter in the box for each question. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules

• I understand

09

Please describe your experience working in a Child Welfare Services program. Include employer name(s), dates of employment(s), level of position or position title(s) and programs you worked in.If you do not have this experience, type “N/A”.

10

Please describe in detail your experience with Child Welfare Services regulations and include: a) How you obtained this knowledge/experience b) How you used this knowledge/experience in your day-to-day professional work activities c) Your experience with translating this knowledge to impact statements and/or business process changes If you do not have this experience, type “N/A”.

11

Please describe your experience of Case Management System(s) and include: a) How you utilized the system(s) for information input as well as output b) Which system(s) you used and how you used this experience in your day-to-day professional work activities c) Your experience with utilizing system information in developing impact statements and/or business process changes that could be shared with others. If you do not have this experience or knowledge, type “N/A”.

12

Please describe in detail your experience in process management, including: a) Research/data collection b) Process development c) Communication plans d) Implementation of business processes, policies, and procedures e) Your experience in interpreting, applying, and disseminating this information and how you communicated it to othersIf you do not have this experience, type “N/A”.

Required Question