HS IHSS Social Worker I/II/III

Description

THE AGENCY
The Human Services Agency includes over 1500 staff members who serve 1 in 4 Ventura County residents, all of whom have unique experiences and perspectives. Each of us has a responsibility to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and in our communities. Our County is proud to have a diverse workforce, and providing a respectful and inclusive workplace is a priority and aligns with the Agency’s values.

THE POSITION
Under direct (I) or general (II/ III) supervision, conducts assessments using experiences, observations, and judgment to evaluate the effect of physical, cognitive and emotional impairment on function to determine eligibility and authorize services to the aged, blind and disabled adults and children needed to prevent out of home care.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
The successful candidate not only possesses the minimum requirements but also has experience working with the disabled and aging population; field work experience including conducting assessments; caseload management experience; experience using case management software; and has strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Each level (I-III) differs from the preceding level, in that work is done more independently and with a higher level of initiative, self-direction and judgment. Consultations with lead and/or supervisor vary depending on levels of case complexity.

Human Services (HS) In Home Supportive Services Social Worker I is a classroom and on-the-job entry-level classification where the emphasis is on learning casework methods, procedures, regulations and policies. The incumbent carries a caseload under direct supervision and is expected to progress toward competency as an HS In Home Support Services (IHSS) Social Worker II.

HS In Home Supportive Services Social Worker II is the journey-level classification where the incumbent demonstrates a working knowledge about the practices in accordance with the State of California In Home Supportive Services Program.

HS In Home Supportive Services Social Worker III is the advanced journey-level classification where the incumbent works independently to provide complex services under the general supervision of the lead worker and supervisor. The incumbent demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the In Home Supportive Services requirements in accordance with the State of California and the overall program and may serve as a resource for the rest of the team.

To learn more about the Human Services Agency, click “ Who We Are ” to view a short video.

APPROXIMATE SALARIES
HS IHSS Social Worker I: $22.16 - $29.56/hourly
HS IHSS Social Worker II - $24.80 - $33.07/hourly
HS IHSS Social Worker III - $26.55 - $35.40/hourly

WHAT WE OFFER
The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes:

• Merit Increases -New employees are eligible for an initial 5% merit increase within the pay range upon completion of at least 1,040 hours (approximately 6 months) assuming work meets satisfactory standards. Subsequent merit increases within the pay range will be upon completion of each additional 2,080 hours (approximately one year) from the initial merit increase.
• Educational Incentive -An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate's degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate degree.
• Bilingual Incentive -Based on agency need,proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I), $1.00 per hour (Level II), or $1.32 per hour (Level III).
• Flexible Workweek/Telework Schedule - We support work life balance by offering compressed work (e.g., 9/80 or 4/10 workweek) and remote hybrid telework schedules for most positions subject to organizational needs and satisfactory performance.
• Vacation Accrual - New regular, full-time employees shall accrue approximately 14 days of vacation a year for the first 10,400 hours or 5 years of service; vacation accruals increase at 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 20 years of service topping out at 26 days a year and 400 hours of vacation hours banked.
• Annual Leave Redemption - After 14,560 hours of continuous County service an employee may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 80 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.
• Sick Leave - Full time regular employees accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave per bi-weekly pay period with an advance at hire of 40.04 hours which will be balanced at the completion of 13 bi-weekly pay periods.
• Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3.00% match on your 401(k) contributions.
• Health Plans - Full time employees are given a flexible credit allowance of up to $25,558 annually to offset the purchase of medical, dental, and/or vision insurance for you and your dependents.
  • Employee only - $509 per biweekly pay period
  • Employee plus one dependent - $779 per biweekly pay period
  • Employee plus family - $983 per biweekly pay period
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax benefit towards eligible medical, dental and vision care and/or dependent care expenses.
• Pension Plan - Participation in the County's defined pension plan, which has reciprocity with CalPERS.
• Holidays - 12 paid days per year which, includes a scheduled floating holiday.
• Additional Benefits -Tuition Reimbursement, Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Wellness Program.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conducts initial assessments and annual reassessments to evaluate the effect of physical, cognitive and emotional impairment on function and determine the needs of clients through interviews, home visits, record reviews or consultation with appropriate agencies and individuals; reviews and addresses complaints and allegations.
• Refers, determines eligibility for services, authorizes and/or coordinates services to complete individual service plans. Follows through with caseload management to assure that services are provided in a timely and complete manner.
• Prepares a wide variety of reports and records. Maintains database using program specific systems.
• Communicates policies, rules, and regulations of the program to clients and others within the scope of responsibility.
• May conduct provider interviews, educate and counsel providers and recipients, and conduct training and orientations.
• Performs other related duties as required.

In addition to above duties, the HS IHSS Social Worker III may also perform the following duties:

• Assists in training and mentoring new staff.
• Independently provides assessments to clients including initial and/or reassessments as needed.

HS IHSS Social Workers are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and are eligible for overtime compensation.

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING and EXPERIENCE
In Home Supportive Services Social Worker I
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in social work, human services, or closely related field; OR four (4) years of human services or social work experience providing direct client service in human services.

In Home Supportive Services Social Worker II
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in social work, human services, or closely related field; AND one (1) year of human services or social work experience providing direct client services. Additional human services or social work experience providing direct client services may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis, up to a maximum of four (4) years.

In Home Supportive Services Social Worker III
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in social work, human services, or closely related field; AND two (2) years of human services or social work experience providing direct client services. Additional human services or social work experience providing direct client services may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis, up to a maximum of four (4) years.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (all levels)

• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license;
• Incumbents are required to furnish their own vehicle for use on the job and are reimbursed for mileage by the County;
• Duties require driving a vehicle to make home visits to clients' residences;
• Work is primarily performed in an office environment but requires frequent visits to client homes that may be unsanitary or unsafe; may be exposed to sick, disabled, hostile, uncooperative or mentally unstable clients/relatives; may require visits to other organizations, agencies and departments, and private businesses; and
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Worksite reassignments may occur due to changes in facilities or other operational requirements within the business.

COUNTY EMPLOYEES AS DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
When a disaster strikes of natural or manmade origin, Ventura County employees may be called upon to provide service to the community by assisting in emergency response efforts. This may require employees to work in other locations, different hours, and out of class. At the time of hire, all County employees will be required to sign an Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance for Disaster Service Workers and Public Employees (Sections 3102 and 3103, Government Code of California).

JOB COMPETENCIES

• Adaptability & Flexibility - Responding positively to change and fluidly modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Business/Technical Expertise - Skillfully applying specialized job-related knowledge
• Communication - Respectfully delivering pertinent, truthful, and timely information and comprehending information delivered by others
• Customer Service - Ensuring consistent, responsive, and superior delivery of services to internal and external stakeholders
• Professional Integrity & Ethics - Demonstrating high standards of conduct and consistently adhering to sound moral principles
• Results Focus - Initiating tasks, meeting organizational goals, and committing to proficient accomplishment
• Self-Management - Exemplifying personal organization, dependability, and self-discipline
• Attention to Detail - Accomplishing tasks thoroughly with concern for all elements involved, however small
• Conflict Management - Preventing, mitigating, and resolving disputes and other interpersonal tensions
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Analyzing and evaluating information, problems, and options with logic and good judgment
• Decision Making - Exercising discretion and good judgment in evaluating and choosing optimal courses of action
• Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging - Embracing the County’s commitment to valuing individuals with varied backgrounds, promoting equal access and opportunity for all, and empowering others in their unique strengths
• Information Gathering - Proactively obtaining facts and data needed to effectively answer questions, solve problems, or complete projects
• Resilience - Maintaining emotional stability and exercising self-control when managing challenging work demands
• Writing - Using text to effectively communicate information

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: This recruitment is open on a continuous basis but may close at any time. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as soon as possible.

To apply online, please refer to our web site at www.ventura.org/jobs . If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

NOTE : If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here for additional information.

Applicants must provide sufficient information under the Education/Work experience portion of the application and supplemental questionnaire to thoroughly and accurately demonstrate your qualifications in order to determine eligibility. A resume may be attached to supplement your responses in the above-referenced sections; however, it may not be submitted in lieu of the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam AT THE TIME OF FILING. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the exam process to assist in determining qualifications for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in removal of the application from further consideration.

APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the examination process.

WRITTEN EXAMINATION - 100% : An un-proctored, internet based, job-related written examination will be conducted to evaluate participating candidates' knowledge of Interviewing Principles and Techniques, General Social Services, Community Resources and Social Services Programs, Interpersonal Skills and English Usage for successful performance on the job. Examinees must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of six (6) months. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill present and future regular, temporary, fixed-term, intermittent, and extra-help vacancies. There are currently four (4) Regular vacancies, and two (2) Extra Help vacancies.

NOTE: If appointed at the lower level, incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further examination upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough post offer, pre-employment background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record will be required for this position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the County of Ventura to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for county employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

For further information regarding this recruitment, please contact Blake Nespica by email at Blake.Nespica@ventura.org .

YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE

Service Employees International Union (LOCAL 721)

(SEIU)

To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.

• Benefits website or you may call (805) 654-2570.
• Retirement FAQ's
• Memorandum of Agreement

Union Codes: UPA, UPC, UPE, UPH, UPI, UPJ,UPT, UWS

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

• 

• County of Ventura

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