CHILDREN'S SOCIAL WORKER TRAINEE

Job Description:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL WORKER TRAINEE

Description

Position/Program Information

FIRST DAY OF FILING: 12/23/2024 AT 8:00 A.M. (PT) -ONLINE FILING ONLY

REPOSTING INFORMATION:
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS A REPOSTING TO REOPEN THIS EXAMINATION AND UPDATE APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION.

THIS EXAMINATION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL THE NEEDS OF THE SERVICE ARE MET AND IS SUBJECT TO CLOSURE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

EXAM NUMBER:
T9070L

TYPE OF RECRUITMENT:
OPEN COMPETITIVE JOB OPPORTUNITY

WITHHOLD:

All applicants must meet requirements upon application submission, no withhold will be allowed.

Out-of-class experience will not be accepted.

DEFINITION:

Under close supervision, performs social casework functions including the investigation, supervision, placement and care of dependent children, children in foster homes or other child welfare cases through routine or emergency referrals.

CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS:

Positions allocable to this entry level class receive close supervision and training from higher level Children's Services staff in the performance of less difficult tasks. As trainees, the incumbents are assigned a reduced number of cases and are expected to develop progressively increasing skill in preparation for higher level positions requiring the handling of more complex and sensitive cases.

Essential Job Functions

• Investigates referrals alleging child abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation by observing the child's well-being and living environment (e.g., body appearance and hygiene, which may require disrobing a child); interviewing clients* privately in-person; interviewing various individuals (e.g., reporting parties; suspected perpetrators; other adults with immediate access to the child; collaterals, such as teachers, doctors, counselors, neighbors, and clergy; etc.) through oral and written communication; consulting with other individuals/sources (e.g., peers, supervisors, service providers, medical/mental health professionals, law enforcement personnel, school officials, attorneys including County Counsel, court officials, liaisons involved in specialized programs, etc.); conducting home inspections and assessing prospective caregivers; monitoring visitations; researching existing information in hardcopy filing systems (e.g., case history files; court reports; official personal records, such as birth certificate; etc.) and on various computer databases (e.g., CWS/CMS, LRS, SDM, JAI, DOJ, Livescan, CLETS, etc.); transporting clients, which includes lifting of children or car seats; and/or taking photographs of the child or the living environment (as necessary) in order to determine appropriate course of action (e.g., initiating preventative measures so that the child remains in the home, developing with the client a plan that resolves the situation, removing a child from the home, if necessary, etc.) and assess a family's strengths and needs in accordance with Federal and California State laws and regulations, the Core Practice Model (CPM), and department policies and procedures, and within established response times or time intervals.
• Determines the validity of an allegation by reviewing and analyzing the relevant information (e.g. case history/court reports: patterns indicators of abuse and recommendations; school reports: absenteeism, attendance history, reporting party; medical/mental health reports: behavior indicators) gathered from numerous sources (e.g., observations of the child and his/her living environment; interviews with various individuals; case history files, plans, and records; monitored visit reports; medical/mental health information; criminal records; school reports; court reports; official personal records, such as birth certificates; computer-generated reports, including SDM and CWS/CMS; FCI etc.); and collaborating with others in analyzing information (e.g., clients, peers, supervisors, law enforcement, care givers, medical/mental health professionals, Regional Center representatives, etc.) in order to establish whether to promote a referral to a case, assess a child's and/or family's strengths and needs, and determine an appropriate service or course of action (e.g., making an emergency placement decision, placing a child into a suitable placement, transporting a child out-of-state or out-of-country with a vehicle, requesting a comprehensive psychological evaluation, obtaining medical information and/or a medical procedure, if necessary; voluntarily hospitalizing a child within a medical or mental health system; administering prescription drugs; etc.) that is in the child's and/or family's best interest, consistent and compliant with Federal and California State laws and regulations, the Core Practice Model, department policies and procedures, and within established response times or time intervals.
• Ensures clients are provided welfare and protective services by driving to client's location and conducting monthly face to face visits with child, family, and caregivers; collaborating with the Child and Family Team (CFT) and others, as appropriate (e.g., clients, supervisors, co-workers, law enforcement personnel, medical/mental health professionals, court officials, school officials, community resources etc.), and following the most appropriate steps as prescribed by Federal and California State laws and regulations, the Core Practice Model, and Department policies and procedures in order to ensure the child is safe and the child and/or family receives the most appropriate and culturally relevant client services that is in the child's and family's best interest, and within established response times or time intervals.
• Enters client-related data into various computerized systems that maintain client information by operating a computer system (e.g., CWS/CMS), reviewing client documents (e.g., personal identifications, medical/dental/psychological information, school information, birth certificates, marriage certificates, photographs, etc.) and/or computer-generated documents and forms, and following Department policy and procedures to ensure that client data is accurate, current and entered within established response times or time intervals.
• Prepares a wide variety of documents (e.g., standardized forms and templates, legal notices and court reports, written reports, numerical log reports, memoranda, correspondence, referrals, mental health screening tool (MHST), cross reports to law enforcement, warrants, etc.) by using a personal computer with appropriate software programs (e.g., word processing); operating a computerized system (e.g., CWS/CMS, Referral Portal, and Structured Decision Making (SDM)); and/or filling out standard forms, consisting of narrative, fill-in blanks, and/or checkmark boxes in order to accomplish a variety of activities (e.g., document information; communicate pertinent information to others; notice parents, relatives, lawyers, etc.; initiate a process or course of action, such as a resource family home search; send information to community providers, Medical Hubs, etc.) in accordance with Federal and California State laws and regulations and Department policies and procedures, and within established response times or time intervals.
• Maintains a variety of confidential information (e.g., completed standards forms; records of communication; contact information; certificates; determinations, referrals, and requests made; agreements reached; court documents; caseload logs; photographs; protected passwords; etc.) by organizing hardcopy data using a Departmental case management format and electronic data using a computerized system (e.g., CWS/CMS, the SITE, tablets and smart phone) in order document information and ensure the security and confidentiality of the documents in accordance with Federal and California State laws and regulations and Department policies and procedures.
• Communicates information to a variety of individuals (e.g., the client(s), law enforcement personnel, attorneys, representatives from County and outside agencies, and the caregivers or service providers; etc.) on numerous issues (e.g., reasons for placement, availability of relinquishment, trans-racial adoptions, legal rights and responsibilities, court processes, non-case related general information, etc.) by explaining information in a patient and clear manner, both over the phone and in-person (i.e., driving to client's location); providing written information (e.g., instructions and pamphlets in their primary language, as necessary); defusing a hostile or high stress situation (as appropriate); using active listening skills with the person; and/or applying motivational techniques in order to promote the emotional well-being of the child; encourage clients to utilize services that promote and cultivate a safe and stable environment for the child; ensure individuals are properly informed about any requests, processes, or actions taken; and ensure that any information provided is understood, complete, accurate, and in accordance with California State laws and regulations, the Core Practice Model, and Department policies and procedures related to confidentiality.
• Provides client(s) with various services from the Department of Children and Family Services and/or other community resources (e.g., Upfront Assessment, CSAT, Independent Living Program, Adoption Assistance Program, Family Preservation Program, Alternative Response Services (ARS), Prevention and aftercare services, AB12, drug testing and rehabilitation programs, Department of Mental Health immediate and ongoing assessments and referrals, etc.) by identifying the client's need for other services and by either providing the client pertinent information to obtain the assistance or coordinating with a County department or other agency/community resource to arrange for service delivery (e.g., scheduling appointments for the client, directing the client for drug testing, transporting a child in a vehicle to a counseling session, etc.) in order to address the client's or the family's immediate or long-term basic needs (e.g., in physical/mental health, emancipation, substance abuse, housing, food, employment, child care, transportation, and education); monitor compliance with DCFS's case plan and/or court-ordered activities; or report and respond to incidents of suspected child abuse.
• Resolves day-to-day issues and challenges (e.g. unable to find placement, scheduling visitation, monitors for visitation, tracking and adapting case plans and/or action plans, crisis management, etc.) presented by a variety of individuals (e.g., clients, the courts, co-workers, supervisors, administrators, etc.) by gathering and analyzing relevant information (e.g., placement search results, drug test results, criminal background checks, progress letters from service providers, minute orders, incident reports, medical needs and diagnosis, police reports, new referrals etc.); temporarily caring for children, which may require physical lifting and transportation; collaborating with other public and private agencies, social services programs, and community agencies (including law enforcement, juvenile justice, probation, group and resource family homes, medical personnel, school personnel, public health nurses, the courts, other emergency services, etc.); handling and mediating conflict among relevant parties; and communicating, consulting, and interacting with the appropriate individuals in order to ensure prompt and efficient delivery of client services in accordance with Federal and California State laws and regulations, the Core Practice Model, and Department policies and procedures.
• Performs various court-related activities related to client services by examining case history and preparing court reports for hearings; filing petitions; obtaining/reviewing/following court orders; referencing the California Welfare & Institutions Code; preparing and serving warrants; obtaining information from attorneys and County Counsel; reviewing and requesting changes in court orders; coordinating transportation; transporting clients, including lifting children and car seats; providing notice to appropriate parties; completing and obtaining appropriate court-related paperwork (e.g., family law orders, medical reports, toxicology reports, pictures, historical documents, progress letters and certificates of completions of court-ordered programs, etc.); obtaining authorizations for various purposes; and testifying in court, etc. in order to ensure the protection of a child and the rights of the family; initiate a process related to client services (e.g., termination of parental rights, protective custody warrants, dependency hearings, in-and out/removal of incarcerated parents, delinquency hearings, legal guardianships, etc.); make recommendations to the court; and ensure that all court documents are legally sufficient in accordance with Federal and California State laws and regulations and are completed within established response times or time intervals.
• Stays current with knowledge related to children and family social services (e.g., Core Practice Model; changes in Federal and California State laws and regulations; changes in Department policies and procedures; developments in best practices; etc.) by attending professional conferences, training sessions, workshops, and facilitator certification; reviewing information obtained from Department memoranda, policy updates, staff meetings, the Internet, magazines, journals, newspapers, professional publications, etc. in order to determine its impact on providing effective client services and adapt to changes in federal and state laws.
• Represents the Department/program/unit at various meetings (e.g., CFTs, staff meetings; training sessions; conferences; community events; court hearings, meetings with specific groups, such as IEP, MCPC, Regional Center; etc.) by consulting with supervisor and other appropriate parties, driving to various locations, facilitating Child Family Team meetings, and collaborating with community resources/partners in order to orally communicate information to others; educate others and oneself on various topics; address concerns raised by relevant groups; and/or advocate for the child/family during the meeting to identify and address their underlying needs.
• Drives a motor vehicle to perform most of the essential job functions listed above.

*Clients include any individual who receives, uses, or is eligible for the services or offerings produced by the work unit, including a child, custodial and non-custodial parent(s), relative(s), significant other(s), legal guardian(s), caregiver(s), and prospective adoptive parent(s).

Requirements

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS:

OPTION I:

Bachelor's degree* from an accredited college with a major in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Child Development, or a related Human Services Field**.

OPTION II:

Bachelor's degree* from an accredited college, and one year of experience in a social service agency providing protective/placement casework*** services to children or families with children.

PHYSICAL CLASS III - MODERATE:

This class requires that the incumbent stand or walk most of the time with bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, working on irregular surfaces, occasional lifting of objects weighing over 25 pounds, and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds.


LICENSE: A valid California Class "C" Driver License is required. Candidates must show proof of a driver's license before appointment and will be required to obtain a copy of their driving record from the California State Department of Motor Vehicles before being appointed. A copy of the driving record must be presented at the time of appointment. License must not be suspended, restricted, or revoked. Also, a personal vehicle will be required at the time of appointment in order to perform the essential job functions.

AN APPLICANT WHOSE DRIVING RECORD SHOWS FOUR (4) OR MORE MOVING VIOLATIONS WITHIN THE LAST TWO (2) YEARS WILL NOT BE APPOINTED.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS INFORMATION:

* In order to receive credit for a bachelor's degree, you MUST submit a legible copy of the official transcripts or diploma from an accredited institution, which shows the area of specialization, at the time of filing or within 15 calendar days from the date of filing.

** Human Services Related fields are Psychology, Sociology, Child Development, Social Work, Behavioral Science, Human Development, Human Services, Child and Adolescent Development, Early Childhood Development, Clinical Psychology, Counseling, Family and Child Development, Family Studies, Marriage and Family Therapy, Marriage, and Family and Child Counseling.

*** Protective casework is defined as social work services to children who are abused or neglected (as determined by the court system); or services to families (as required by the court) due to the neglect or abuse of the child, OR prior to court intervention, it is the social worker who makes the decision to remove a child from the home for the child's protection. Placement Casework Services are adoptive type services. Custodial services (group supervision types) are not qualifying experience.

Additional Information

EXAMINATION CONTENT:

The examination will consist of Two (2) parts:

PART I: Multiple-choice and/or simulation assessments weighted 40% that will assess Deductive Reasoning, Deciding and Initiating Action, Working with People, Persuading and Influencing, Planning and Organizing, and Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations.

MULTIPLE CHOICE AND/OR SIMULATION ASSESSMENTS ARE NOT REVIEWABLE BY CANDIDATES PER CIVIL SERVICE RULE 7.19

ONLY APPLICANTS WHO ACHIEVE A PASSING SCORE OF 70% OR HIGHER ON PART I WILL BE INVITED TO THE STRUCTURED ORAL INTERVIEW (PART II).

PART II: A Structured Interview weighted 60% that will assess Professional/Technical Knowledge in Child Welfare Practices, Case Management; Client Focus; Handling Conflict; Oral Communication; Integrity and Ethics; Stress Tolerance; Adaptability; and Cultural Sensitivity.

Applicants must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on each weighted part of the examination in order to be placed on the Eligible Register.

NO PERSON MAY COMPETE FOR THIS EXAMINATION MORE THAN ONCE EVERY 12 MONTHS.

TRANSFER OF TEST COMPONENTS:

• Applicants who have taken identical components recently for other exams may have their scores automatically transferred to this examination.
• This examination contains test components that may be used in the future for new examinations and your test scores may be transferred.

TEST PREPARATION:

Study guides and other test preparation resources are available to help candidates prepare for employment tests. While the guides will help you preparing for the test, we advise you to review all related materials that you deem necessary.

• An interactive, Online Test Preparation System for taking practice tests may be accessed on the Department of Human Resources website at http://hr.lacounty.gov/. Please click on "Find A Job" and then "Job Search Toolkit." Test preparation information is located under the "Employment Test Assistance" section.
• Additional online practice tests are available at https://www.shldirect.com/en-us/practicetests/

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION:

The names of candidates receiving a passing score in the examination will be placed on the eligible register in the order of their score group for a period of (12) months following the date of promulgation. Applications will be processed on an as-received basis and promulgated to the eligible register accordingly.

All notifications (e.g. Notices of Non-Acceptance, Notice of Results, etc.) will be emailed.

Scores cannot be given over the telephone.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:
FINGERPRINTING CLEARANCE AND BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:

All Department of Children and Family Services employees are fingerprinted and subject to criminal background check by the State Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.Employment/Promotion is contingent upon passing the background checks. An individual with job-related convictions as defined by the County policy (PPG 514) or the requirements of a "sensitive position" may be withheld from appointment or may be discharged.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION:


Candidates who are selected for employment must successfully complete the pre-employment requirements, which include fingerprint clearance and background investigation, medical examination and psychological evaluation. Appointees must be willing to work after hours, weekend shifts and holidays.



VACANCY INFORMATION:
The eligible register resulting from this examination will be used to fill vacancies throughout the Department of Children and Family Services.

AVAILABLE SHIFT: ANY


APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION:

APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE ONLY.
Applicants are required to submit a standard Los Angeles County Employment Application online and complete the Supplemental Questionnaire to be considered for this examination. Paper applications and/or resumes cannot be accepted in lieu of online application.

All applicants MUST complete the filing process ONLINE (via electronic submission). Applications by mail, fax, or in person will not be accepted .

Apply online by clicking on the green "APPLY" button at the top right of this posting. You can also track the status of your application by using this website: hr.lacounty.gov .

Fill out your application completely. The acceptance of your application depends on whether you have clearly shown that you meet the Selection Requirements and complete the Supplemental Questionnaire . Provide any relevant education, training, and experience in the spaces provided, so we can evaluate your qualifications for the job. For each job held, give the name and address of your employer, your job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week and description of work performed. If your application is incomplete, it will be rejected.

Plan to submit your online application well in advance as you may be required to verify your email address. This only needs to be done once per email address, and if you already have a job seeker account on www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacounty, you can verify at any time by logging in and following the prompts. This is to enhance the security of your online application and to ensure you do not enter an incorrect email address.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• ALL information included in the application materials is subject to VERIFICATION. We may reject your application at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made.
  
• FALSIFICATION of any information may result in DISQUALIFICATION .
  
• Utilizing VERBIAGE from Class Specification and Minimum Requirements serving as your description of duties WILL NOT be sufficient to meet the requirements. Doing so may result in an INCOMPLETE APPLICATION and you may be DISQUALIFIED.
  

ATTACHMENTS: It is recommended that all required documents are attached to your application and submitted at the time of filing. If you are unable to attach the required documents, you may e-mail them to DCFSExams@dcfs.lacounty.gov at the time of filing or within (15) calendar days from date of filing. We do not accept password-protected documents. Ensure documents are unlocked before attaching to your application or sending to the exam analyst. Please make sure to reference your full name (Last, First name), examination title and number on the subject line of your e-mail. Any missing required documents not submitted by the deadline will result in your application being rejected as incomplete.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
Please include your Social Security Number for record control purposes. Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS AT PUBLIC LIBRARIES:
For candidates who may not have regular access to a computer or the internet, applications can be completed on computers at public libraries throughout Los Angeles County.

NO SHARING OF USER ID AND PASSWORD:
All applicants must file their application online using their OWN user ID and password. Using a family member or a friend's user ID and password may erase a candidate's original application record.

California Relay Services Phone: (800) 735-2922

ADA Coordinator: Department of Human Resources (DHR)
ADA Coordinator Email: TestingAccommodations@hr.lacounty.gov
Teletype Phone: (800) 899-4099
Alternate Teletype Phone: (800) 897-0077

Department Contact Name: Stephanie Ocampo
Department Contact Phone: (213) 351-5898
Department Contact Email: DCFSexams@dcfs.lacounty.gov

For detailed information, please click here

Salary:

$50,009.52 - $63,840.00 Annually