One vacancy with the Health and Human Services Agency in Visalia.  Positions are with the Adult Protective Services Public Guardian and the Health Department. This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and future vacancies throughout the County. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months.

DUTY SAMPLE
Caseload management which includes cases of moderate difficulty; interview clients to ascertain the nature of their needs;  determine resource needs, develop individual service plans; assist applicants and clients in utilizing available resources for their needs; interpret program  policies, rules and regulations to clients and others; make home visits and phone calls in connection with caseload assignments; prepare and maintain case records; refer clients to other service agencies; participate in trainings and other staff development activities to increase knowledge of the social service work processes and achieve technical competence; conduct safety checks; attend, participate and collaborate with different departments and outside partners in community outreach events;  prepare memos, letters, reports and correspondence.

NECESSARY EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Education/Experience:  Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be equivalent to completion of two years of college level study in the behavioral or social sciences or a closely related field AND one year of experience, equivalent to a Social Worker I in the County of Tulare, involving interviewing, counseling and case management  in a social services environment. Level II: Requires one additional year experience equivalent to a Social Worker I in the County of Tulare, involving interviewing, counseling and case management in a social services environment.
 
Knowledge of: Caseload management methods and techniques; community resources available to assist clients; terminology and vocabulary relevant to social work and social service programs; components of service plans (development and implementation); applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations; dynamics of mandated reporting laws; needs faced by clients; problems faced by the long term hardships.
 
Skill/Ability to: Interview, assess and gather information to assist with clients needs; research and define needs, collect information, organize and analyze material, draw valid conclusions and formulate recommendations; work with clients, establish goals and objectives and come to an agreement on a plan of action for meeting needs (if necessary); manage a caseload; communicate effectively to explain technical information to people of various socio-economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds; read, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures; write clear, concise and grammatically correct case narratives, reports, records and correspondence; follow verbal and written instructions and seek guidance when appropriate; retain and recall information; adjust to changes in workload, coordinate work with others and work under stress of meeting deadlines; organize and prioritize  work assignments and establish completion timelines; establish rapport and maintain effective working relationships with others; use patience, tact and courtesy in dealing with people under various circumstances and under emotional stress; keep systematic and accurate records; maintain confidentiality of all information and materials; work under stressful situations.  This position requires the ability to plan, organize and make effective presentations.     
 
DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Experience in or knowledge of social work or counseling environments.

Conditions of Employment
Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.  Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.
 
College Cost Reduction Access Act
This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation.