Social Services Practitioner I/II/III Adult Services Division - Blythe, CA (Finance)

**THIS POSITION REQUIRES ONSITE REPORTING**

The County of Riverside's Department of Public and Social Services (DPSS) seeks multiple Social Services Practitioner I/II/III positions for Blythe, CA with the Adult Services Division (ASD). Frequent travel may be required for all positions.

The incumbent is required to report onsite to Blythe, California ( Blythe is located 225 miles east of Los Angeles, 118 miles east of Palm Springs, and 150 miles west of Phoenix, Arizona) and provide support for the Desert Region.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Excellent interpersonal skills when working with diverse clients of various ages, socio-economic backgrounds, cultures, and mental/physical capabilities
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with other professionals in order to meet the needs of shared clients and promote quality care, safety, and well-being
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge and ability to learn and apply complex laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to clients
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, organizational, and time management skills
• Tech-savvy skills and the ability to learn and use specialized case management software programs

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Opportunity to compassionately support children, elders/dependent adults and families
• It's more than a desk job - travel throughout the vast County of Riverside to meet with clients and community partners
• Work and network with dedicated professionals who share a passion for public service
• Career growth and upward mobility within the department
• Supportive and respectful working environment that values work-life balance

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Fast-paced environment
• Meeting mandated deadlines
• The need for documentation and technical writing
• Identifying ways to navigate social service delivery with limited resources while meeting clients' identified goals and needs.

About the Adult Services Division (ASD):
The mission of Adult Services is to promote safety, well-being, and independence for elder and dependent adults through accurate and timely assessments and linkages to services. There are three main programs under the Adult Services umbrella:

• Adult Protective Services (APS) provides a system of in-person response, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. APS Social Workers receive and respond to reports of dependent adult and elder abuse of individuals in Riverside County. We serve dependent adults (age 18 and older) and the elderly (age 60 and older). The goal of APS is to intervene and assist elder or dependent adults to alleviate physical, sexual and financial abuse, neglect, isolation and abandonment, abduction and mental suffering.
• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a Medi-Cal benefit that provides home care assistance to elders, dependent adults, and minors with disabilities to live safely in their own homes or other non-institutional settings.
• The Public Authority (PA) assists clients of In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) to have an enhanced quality of life by recruiting, screening, and preparing in-home care providers at no cost to the client. In addition to supporting and training all IHSS providers in Riverside County, the Public Authority maintains an updated registry of eligible home care providers who may be dispatched and matched with IHSS consumers at any time.

Adult Services, Social Services Practitioners III's may be assigned to work in In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), Adult Protective Services (APS) or the IHSS Public Authority.

The Adult Services Division is dedicated to the professional development of our employees. Future SSP IIIs in ASD may be eligible for exciting DPSS programs that include Educational and Career Assistance Programs. These programs are great opportunities for professional growth and knowledge. Learn more below:

• Educational Support Program : DPSS employees eligible for the ESP may receive up to $5,250.00 per year for a period of two years of lifetime maximum of $10,500. ESP programs include Career Counseling, Career Assessment, College partners Tuition Discount information and possible textbook and tuition reimbursement options. Interested and Eligible candidates will receive a Career Development Plan (CDP) that includes tuition and textbook funding, either by DPSS or Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Department Policy, Eligibility and Application Requirement details are in the link ( https://esp.rc-hr.com/ ).

*For a realistic job preview of what it's like to work within Adult Services, please visit the following link:

https://vimeo.com/710480437/a4d8bbf155

*For questions related to working within Adult Services, please email ASDStaffing@rivco.org .

Job Description:

• The Social Services Practitioner I is the first professional level classification in the Social Services Practitioner series and is at a training level where the emphasis is on learning casework methods, procedures, and policies, and the carrying of a limited, non-complex caseload under close supervision. Incumbents may receive additional consultation and supervision of difficult and complex casework problems. Incumbents normally work independently in administering services and in making use of agency or community resources.
• The Social Services Practitioner II is distinguished from the next higher-level classification of Social Services Practitioner III by the latter's receiving more difficult assignments requiring greater skills and depth of job knowledge in assessing problem situations and formulating plans for services.
• Social Services Practitioner I/II may also be placed at the ASD Central Intake Center where they hold the responsibility of responding to calls and online reports from the general public regarding elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect, as well as requests to apply for In Home Supportive Services (IHSS). This is a fast-paced environment that requires excellent ability to obtain information from individuals in crisis and excellent critical thinking skills for the ability to analyze information provided, identify additional information needed and determine appropriate response times for assistance to clients.
• The Social Services Practitioner III is a broad range journey to advanced level classification of the professionally trained social caseworker in the Social Services Practitioner series. Incumbents are characterized by the responsibility for performing full scope social service casework often requiring difficult diagnosis and intensive treatment services. The Social Services Practitioner III is distinguished from the Social Services Supervisor series by the latter's responsibility to provide full time supervision of staff performing casework.

Depending on area of assignment, incumbents may be required to have a master's degree from an accredited college or university in social work, social welfare, social or behavioral sciences, or social/human services.

The level at which the position will be filled is at the Department's discretion and contingent on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Meet the Team!

The Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) is comprised of employees who work collectively and in partnership with community-based organizations to serve the needs of the community.

The Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) provides services and assistance to protect and empower vulnerable people in our community. Social Service Practitioner I & Social Services Practitioner II

• Study and apply the principles and techniques of social work to a caseload which includes basic types of services problems.

• Maintain up-to-date electronic records of all aspects of client case management in a centralized database.

• Carry a caseload which includes cases with problems of moderate difficulty; interview clients and their families to assess the nature of their social and financial problems and the need for social service casework intervention or treatment; determine or recommend treatment plans to meet social needs; conduct home visits; prepare and maintain case records.

• Interview clients to ascertain the nature of their problems and develop elementary service plans; carry out the less difficult services plans and under supervision, manage less complex cases; make referral to community resources and assist families with change in environment or employment; maintain necessary casework records.

• Complete studies of patients and their families to determine the nature of their problems; learn to develop the most effective treatment methods and treatment plans according to need.

• Interview patients, families, and friends to obtain information for case records.

• Identify the need for, and make referrals to, other services available to the client; assist applicants and recipients in utilizing available resources for individual needs.

• Interpret the policies, rules, and regulations of the department to applicants, clients, and others; may be assigned to specialized functions.

• Participate in in-service training and other staff development activities to increase knowledge of the social work processes and achieve technical competence; receive casework consultation from professionally trained staff members.; may assist in conducting training activities for personnel outside the social services unit; may participate in group therapy.

• Frequently conduct field visits, away from the home office, which may include long distances in order to carry out service plans, observe, and assess client needs, and provide information and social work services.

• Assess client family environment in order to determine potential or imminent risk to the safety of children/disabled adults/elderly residing in the household; when safety needs dictate, remove children/ adults from home and transport them, complying with all safety regulations, including the use of age appropriate California safety mandated equipment, when assisting with initial removal or facilitating a placement change, which may include managing/lifting the client's necessary assistive equipment (e.g., wheelchair).

• Maintain up-to-date electronic records of assigned aspects of client case management in a centralized database.

• Perform evaluations/assessments of client needs for the In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program.

Social Service Practitioner III

(Depending on the area of assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following)

• Carry a caseload of the more difficult types of social service cases requiring a high degree of technical competence where social or family problems or environmental forces adversely affect family life; assess client's problems and develop treatment plans.

• Complete case studies for the purpose of assessing problems and determining appropriate types and methods of treatment; develop intensive long or short-term treatment plans to improve or restore individual or family functioning.

• Act in a lead capacity for a small group of Social Services Practitioners or services employees, such as aides and volunteers.

• Act as a casework consultant to staff members without professional training.

• Function at a highly skilled level in such areas as counseling, protective services, medical social work, family services, community organization, and adoptive services.

• Take part in staff development programs to increase knowledge of the social work processes and augment personal technical competence.

• Provide therapeutic marital, family interrelationship, and adoptive parent counseling.

• Investigate and provide services to clients where their physical or emotional welfare is involved; work with cases involving neglect, abuse, emotional or behavioral problems, physical/mental disabilities or other health conditions affecting a client's personality, family relationships, child, or in-home care arrangements.

• Provide services and counseling in cases of desertion or impending loss of a spouse, child, or caretaker.

• Interpret public social service rules, regulations, and policies to clients and the public.

• Maintain casework records and prepare reports and correspondences.

• Frequently conduct field visits, away from the home office, which may include long distances in order to carry out service plans, observe, and assess client needs, and provide information and social work services.

• Assess client family environment in order to determine potential or imminent risk to the safety of children/disabled adults/elderly residing in the household; when safety needs dictate, remove child/disabled adults/elderly from home and transport them, complying with all safety regulations, including the use of age appropriate California safety mandated equipment, when assisting with initial removal or facilitating a placement change, which may include managing/lifting the client's necessary assistive equipment (e.g., wheelchair).

• Maintain up-to-date electronic records of all aspects of client case management in a centralized database. Social Service Practitioner I

SALARY RANGE:

$23.46 - $29.52 Hourly

$4,066.40 - $5,118.66 Monthly

$48,797.80 - $61,414.00 Annually

OPTION I

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in social welfare, social or behavioral sciences, social/human services, counseling, or a closely related field to the assignment.

Experience: None required.

Social Service Practitioner II

SALARY RANGE:

$25.81 - $33.8621 Hourly

$4,473.73 - $5,869.66 Monthly

$53,685 - $70,433 Annually

OPTION I

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in social welfare, social or behavioral sciences, social/human services, counseling, or a closely related field to the assignment.

Experience: One year of social case planning/case management experience in a public or private social services agency performing duties equivalent to a County of Riverside Social Services Practitioner I.

OPTION II

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in social welfare, social or behavioral sciences, social/human services, counseling, or a closely related field to the assignment.

Experience: One year of performing casework duties in a public or private human services agency. Experience must include assessing or determining client needs, formulating case plans, or executing case plans to support and meet client needs.

ALL OPTIONS

Knowledge of: Socioeconomic conditions and trends; basic principles of individual and group behavior; general trends and current issues in the field of social services; principles of interviewing and problem solving methodology; methods of identification, analysis, and resolution of social casework problems; social service research methods; principles and techniques of social work, and the functions of public social services agencies; basic public social services programs available at the state and local levels; general principles of public assistance policies and programs; laws, rules, and regulations governing the operation of public social services agencies; specialized aid programs; basic computer skills.

Ability to: Understand and learn programs, policies, and procedures; obtain and recognize relevant and significant facts; speak and write effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships; establish and maintain client rapport; input and retrieve data from computerized systems.

Social Service Practitioner III

SALARY RANGE:

$31.59 - $46.67 Hourly
$5,477 - $8,091 Monthly
$65,724 - $97,093 Annually

OPTION I
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in social welfare, social or behavioral sciences, social/human services, counseling, or a closely related field to the assignment.

Experience: One year equivalent to a County of Riverside Social Services Practitioner II.

OPTION II
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in social welfare, social or behavioral sciences, social/human services, counseling, or a closely related field to the assignment.

Experience: Two years performing casework duties in a public or private human services agency. Experience must include assessing or determining client needs, formulating case plans, or executing case plans to support and meet client needs.

OPTION III
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree, preferably with a major in social or behavioral sciences, social/human services, counseling, or a closely related field to the assignment.

OPTION IV
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work.

Experience: Completed internship experience in a public or private welfare agency as part of an accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree program.

ALL OPTIONS
Knowledge of: Principles and techniques of social casework and of the function of public social service agencies; individual and group behavior with emphasis on normal growth, development, and family relationships; social casework objectives, principles, and methods; socioeconomic and cultural factors which promote stable family life, and an understanding of the factors that affect family security; physical and mental illnesses and their impact on personality; community organizations and the services they provide; laws, rules, and regulations governing the operation of public social services agencies; basic computer skills.

Ability to:Establish rapport with clients and their families; effectively apply casework knowledge and skills; apply the principles of general and/or child psychology and family relationships; evaluate personal and psychological factors in the client and/or family's situation; work constructively within an agency and community setting; effectively utilize appropriate resources and services; provide consultation to others; demonstrate skill in planning and analysis; control personal bias and apply social work ethics; maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public; provide consultation to and assist in the professional development of less experienced Social Services Practitioners; input and retrieve data from computerized system. Other Requirements

License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is necessary at the time of hire and must be maintained throughout employment. County vehicles may be available but are not guaranteed. Employees may be required to use their own vehicles for field travel and are required to provide vehicle insurance information for their personal vehicle.

Schedule: Incumbents may be required to participate in a mandatory on-call schedule which may include working nights, holidays, and weekends.

Physical Requirements: The Social Services Practitioner III position with the Adult Services and Children's Services Divisions requires both office work and field work. Office work requires sedentary tasks such as report writing/typing and documentation. Field work may include frequent driving, conducting home visits, attending court hearings, and meeting with various stakeholders in the community. Field work requires the ability to climb stairs, walk on uneven surfaces, and maneuver around obstacles in the home and work independently and safely in a variety of home environments, which may include hazardous conditions, such as unsecured pets or unclean living spaces. Additionally, in emergent situations incumbent may be required to lift and carry heavy objects or individuals.

Background Requirement: A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from employment with the Department of Public Social Services.

Additional Requirement - Testing

Social Services Practitioner I/II

Candidates who minimally qualify will be REQUIRED to take a skills assessment.

Additionally, those individuals that indicate that they are bilingual in Spanish will be required to take and pass an unproctored Spanish bilingual assessment.

All candidates will be REQUIRED to take an online test as part of the application process for this position. It is important that the instructions provided in the email are followed exactly.

The Human Resources Department may require you to verify your identity and confirm test scores by retesting in a proctored environment. The County does not provide test scores to applicants.

What's Next?

This recruitment is open to all applicants.

Additional Information:

Contact Christopher Recinos Crecinos@rivco.org with any questions regarding this recruitment.