Salary: See Position Description
Location : Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 23-7061-01 (O)
Department: Social Services
Opening Date: 09/19/2023
Closing Date: 9/27/2023 4:59 PM Pacific
Description
SALARY
Salary: See Position Description
$7,231.52 – $8,702.25 Monthly
$86,778.28- $104,426.96 Annually
The Social Services Department is accepting applications to fill a 1414* full-time vacancy in Santa Maria. We are also accepting applications to establish an employment list for future vacancies in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc.
* CSR 1414 (Leave of Absence): This recruitment is to fill a position vacated as a result of a leave of absence (CSR 1414) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to the position under CSR 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.
THE POSITION:
Under general direction, the Social Services Supervisor II plans, organizes, directs the work of a social service staff providing the most complex and difficult social services; and performs related duties as required.
The Ideal candidate will possess:
- Strong background in public child welfare programs, as well as knowledge of
CDSS regulations (Division 31), W&I Code, Penal Code, and Child Welfare policies and protocols. - Ability to develop and implement clear objectives.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Analytic ability, successful problem solving; capable of making important decisions under stressful situations
- Knowledge of community facilities and resources relating to disabled families and/or children
- Understanding of the function and organization of public assistance and social service systems, agency purposes, goals and policies
- Ability to learn, understand and comply with complex program policies and laws
- Knowledge and experience in principles and practices of supervision; ability to prepare and give evaluations of staff performance
- Ability to learn, understand and be compliant in County Personnel Rules and Administrative Policies
- Ability to present and teach complex material to new and experienced social workers.
- Ability to develop, coordinate and provide training to social service workers through the lens of effective adult learning models in different services in the department.
- Ability to innovate and adapt modern training methods allowing staff to grow professionally and obtain the required knowledge to be proficient in their assignment.
Examples of Duties
- Plans, organizes, and directs a social service unit providing the most complex casework such as in adoptions and child and adult protective services; counsels, motivates and evaluates the performance of staff; reviews staff work for completeness and adherence to relevant laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Plans, develops, coordinates, and provides staff training and development on complex social service programs.
- Determines necessity of investigation by social work staff and/or police of reports regarding physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, severe and general neglect, and exploitation of children and dependent or elderly adults, including self-neglect.
- Directs the taking into custody of neglected and abandoned children, from their homes, and directs their placement with relatives, or in foster homes, group homes, institutions, or other suitable placements; directs casework for dependent and elderly adults designed to maximize their independence, ensure their health and safety in their homes and eliminate risks to the degree possible.
- Reviews and approves recommendations to the court regarding the physical and legal custody of children, such as recommendations for children to be temporary dependents of the court, placement into guardianship, or for permanent separation from the care and control of current provider; prepare reports using personal computer applications such as word processing; reviews and approves Service Plans for dependent and elderly adult caseload and serves as consultant for complex and difficult case situations.
- Reviews and approves the legal sufficiency of investigation, casework, and reporting on matters related to guardianship, parental relinquishments, and adoptions and for the comparable legal, ethical and regulatory matters relating to protective services for the dependent and elderly adult client population.
- Assists in the design and implementation of service delivery programs.
- Assists in establishing and maintaining department’s community resources network; represents the department in the community and speaks before groups on matters related to assignment.
Employment Standards
Possession of either a master’s degree from an accredited school of social work; or, a master’s degree from an accredited school in Marriage Family Counseling; marital and family therapy ; psychology; clinical psychology; or counseling with an emphasis in marriage, family, and child counseling; and completion of supervised practicum in accordance with Business and Professions Code Section 4980.40; AND
- Three years of professional social work experience in an Adult or Child Protective Services program; OR,
- A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
Additional Requirements:
- Possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required at the time of appointment and must be kept valid throughout the term of employment. A DMV check may be conducted.
- Independent travel, including client transportation is required and incumbents in this classification may be required to travel overnight and/or to areas outside of the county.
- Selectees for employment in this class must, as a condition of employment, sign a statement agreeing to comply with Section 11166 of the California Penal Code relating to child abuse reporting and Section 15630 of the Welfare and Institutions Code relating to dependent adult abuse reporting.
- Selectees for positions in this class assigned to Child Welfare Services are subject to 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.
- Incumbents may be expected to work outside normal business hours
- This position will require you to serve as an emergency respondent; you must be available after hours and on holidays and weekends on an assigned basis, requiring you to be within emergency response time range when assigned.
Knowledge of: professional standards and practices in the field of social work; principles and practices relating to human behavior, child development, and family dynamics; social work case planning and management; socio-economic and socio-psychological factors involved in the dynamics of child and/or dependent and elderly adult abuse and neglect; counseling and interviewing techniques, including crisis intervention methods; laws, rules, and regulations governing the operation of child welfare service programs and/or Adult Protective Services; and basic math.
Ability to: plan, train and supervise the work of others engaged in professional and technical social work and support activities; prepare and give evaluations of staff performance; develop goals and objectives; organize and prioritize work assignments; effectively delegate responsibility and authority to others; determine and evaluate levels of individual and operational performance; secure cooperation and teamwork among staff; prepare narrative and summary reports using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling; comply with, interpret, and explain laws, regulations, and professional practices governing program services and operations; make independent decisions; deal firmly and fairly with clients of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds; maintain confidentiality of information; recognize and respect limits of authority and responsibility; assist in the development and formulation of agency policy; identify and analyze operational problems, and implement procedural and/or work method changes; determine the appropriate course of action in emergency or stressful situations; communicate effectively verbally one-on-one and in small groups; and in writing; and utilize automated systems, such as Child Welfare System/Case Management System or the APS database, standard office software, and electronic mail.
Desirable Qualifications:
Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision; function and organization of public assistance and social service systems; agency purposes, goals, and policies; community facilities and resources relating to disabled families and/or children and/or services for dependent and elderly adults; County Personnel Rules and Administrative Policies.
Ability to: prepare and give evaluations of staff performance.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:
- Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those candidates who meet the employment standards.
- 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 step may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified applicants.
Applicants must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking to be placed on an employment list. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.
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.
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. Verification of necessary accommodation is required from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or learning institution.
Disaster Service Worker: 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.
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: 09/27/2023 4:59 pm PST; postmarks not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at
Jasmine Gaytan, Department of Social Services Recruiter,
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
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 supporting information on their application demonstrating how they meet these standards, whether or not a resume is submitted. All information may be verified.To be considered for this position your application must CLEARLY state how you meet each of the requirements under the EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS. If you fail to provide adequate information verifying you meet the employment standard you selected, you will not be considered. Please select which of the following standards you meet:
- Employment Standard 1: Possession of either a master’s degree from an accredited school of social work; or, a master’s degree from an accredited school in Marriage Family Counseling; marital and family therapy ; psychology; clinical psychology; or counseling with an emphasis in marriage, family, and child counseling; and completion of supervised practicum in accordance with Business and Professions Code Section 4980.40; AND three years of professional social work experience in an Adult or Child Protective Services program; or,
- Employment Standard 2: Possession of either a master’s degree from an accredited school of social work; or, a master’s degree from an accredited school in Marriage Family Counseling; marital and family therapy ; psychology; clinical psychology; or counseling with an emphasis in marriage, family, and child counseling; and completion of supervised practicum in accordance with Business and Professions Code Section 4980.40; AND a combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities
- None – I do not meet the employment standards for the position.
05
Do you possess a master’s degree in social work from an accredited school? If NO, answer questions 6, 7 and 8. If YES, skip to question 9.
- Yes
- No
06
Please indicate master’s degree you possess in one of the following from an accredited college or university:
- Marriage, Family and Child Counseling
- Marital and Family Therapy
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Counseling Psychology
- Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling
07
In accordance with Business and Professions Code Section 4980.37 C1 & C2, did you complete a supervised practicum that included a minimum of 150 hours of face-to-face experience counseling individuals, couples, families, or groups? If YES, please answer question 8. If NO, you do not meet the qualification for this position.
- Yes
- No
08
Describe your practicum, including title of the person who provided licensed supervision, and any other pertinent information. Limit your response to 400 words.
09
The following questions are used as a part of a Civil Service Examination. I understand my responses to the following questions will be used as a weighted, scored selection device. The supplemental questionnaire is a scored examination that will determine your ranking on the employment list for this job. The rater does not have access to your application, resume, or supporting materials while they are scoring your responses. 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.You will also be scored on correct sentence structure, spelling, and use of grammar on the content you provided.For more 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
10
Please describe in detail, how you obtained the required three years of professional social work experience in an Adult or Child Protective Services program or equivalent. Include agency where experience was acquired and specific job duties.
11
Please describe in detail your experience, in any prior supervisory or lead position, include the agency where the experience was acquired and specific job duties. Make sure to include years of experience, agency where experience was acquired and specific job duties, including description of experience in each of the following areas:1. Training and supervision of those engaged in Social Work2. Making hiring decisions 3. Handling disciplinary actions4. Performance of written Performance Evaluations and Providing input to Supervisors for evaluations of othersIf no experience, answer n/a
12
In your past positions, how have you respond to interpersonal conflicts among staff members you supervised? Please provide one example of how you handled these conflicts.
13
Describe your method or technique(s) on how you track and complete numerous tasks/assignments?
Required Question