Children's Social Worker Trainee-Stipend Program/Dcfs Intern
CHILDREN'S SOCIAL WORKER TRAINEE-STIPEND PROGRAM/DCFS INTERNS ONLY CHILDREN'S SOCIAL WORKER TRAINEE-STIPEND PROGRAM/DCFS INTERNS ONLY Salary $40,349.52 - $50,009.52 Annually Location Los Angeles County, CA Job Type Full time Department CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES Job Number T9070C Closing 3/30/2018 5:00 PM Pacific * Description * Benefits * Questions Position/Program Information FIRST DATE OF FILING: 3/19/18 AT 8:00 A.M. (PST) - ONLINE FILING ONLY EXAM NUMBER: T9070C TYPE OF RECRUITMENT: OPEN COMPETITIVE JOB OPPORTUNITY 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 1. 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, Live Scan, 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. 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. 7. 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 ing 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. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. 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. 11. 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. 12. 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. 13. 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 ONLINE FILING ONLY SELECTION REQUIREMENTS: OPTION I: Bachelor's degree* from an accredited college or university with a major in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Child Development, or a related Human Services field*** ANDcurrent enrollment with the anticipated graduation in May/June, 2018 of the Master of Social Work Internship Stipend Program - either the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Title IV-E**** Internship Stipend Program orthe California Social Work Education Center (CalSWEC) Stipend Program with DCFS under Federal Title IV-E****. OR OPTION II: Bachelor's degree***** from an accredited college with a major in Social Work and current enrollment in the Internship with the Department of Children and Family Services orsuccessful completion of the California Social Work Education Center (CalSWEC) Stipend Intern Program under Federal Title IV-E**** with the Department of Children and Family Services in the Los Angeles County in the 2017-2018 academic year. LICENSE: A 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, 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. PHYSICAL CLASS II Light: Light physical effort which may include occasional light lifting to a 10 pound limit, and some bending, stooping or squatting. Considerable walking may be involved. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS INFORMATION: **To qualify, applicants MUSTinclude a legible copy of the official diploma, ora copy of official transcriptswhich states the major and degree confirmation within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of filing your online application. *** 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, Family and Child Counseling. ****Verification of applicant's enrollment in the 2017-2018 Bachelor of Social Work Internship or Master of Social Work DCFS Title IV-E/CalSWEC Internship Stipend Program ANDcurrent enrollment/completion of the internship with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, will be acquired either from the school's Registrar's Office or from the Office of Education and Licensure Program in the Department of Children and Family Services Los Angeles County immediately after the online application filing. ***EDUCATION WITHHOLD: Applicants who anticipate completing their Bachelor's Degree by May 31, 2018may for this examination but will be withheld from the placement on the certification list until all required documentation is submitted to the Exams Section. To qualify, applicants MUSTinclude a legible copyof the official diploma, a copy of official transcripts, or an official letterfrom the accredited institution registrar's office which states the major and degree conferred by June 30, 2018. Additional Information EXAMINATION CONTENT: This examination will consist of an Evaluation of Training and Experience weighted at 100% covering professional and technical education, training, and experience as it relates to the job. Candidates must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on the exam in order to be placed on the Eligible Register. Applicants will be notified of their test results by US mail. Scores cannot be given over the telephone. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION: The names of candidates receiving a passing grade 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. NO PERSON MAY COMPETE FOR THIS EXAMINATION MORE THAN ONCE EVERY 12 MONTHS. Applications will be processed on an as-received basis and promulgated to the eligible register accordingly. SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION: If there is a need to make appointments for special bilingual skills, to serve the County population, a selective certification list may be instituted in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11.03. Applicants who know any language other than English may indicate on the application. Their bilingual skills will be tested before they are added to the list. SPECIAL INFORMATION: FINGERING CLEARANCE AND BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: All Department of Children and Family Services employees are fingered 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 finger 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 in various locations 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. We must receive your application and additional documents, if any, by 5:00 p.m. (PST) on the last day of filing. All applicants MUST complete the filing process ONLINE (via electronic submission). Applications by mail, fax, or in person will not be accepted . All required documents must be submitted at the time of filing or within fifteen (15) calendar days of filing. Any missing required documents not submitted by the deadline will result in your application being rejected as incomplete. Note: If you are unable to attach the required documents, you may e-mail them to ChenS2@dcfs.lacounty.gov or fax the documents to (213) 738-6470. Make sure to reference your full name (Last name, First name), examination title and number on the subject line of your e-mail or in your fax. online by clicking on the green "" button at the top right of this posting. You can also track the status of your application by using this website. All information is subject to verification. We may reject your application at any time during the examination and hiring process, including after appointment has been made. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or rescission of appointment. Fill out your application completely. The acceptance of your application depends on whether you have clearly shown that you have met the Selection Requirements and completed 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. 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 Email: ChenS2@dcfs.lacounty.gov Teletype Phone: (800) 899-4099 Alternate Teletype Phone: (800) 897-0077 Department Contact Name: Juno Chen Department Contact Phone: (213) 351-5898 Department Contact Email: ChenS2@dcfs.lacounty.gov For detailed information, please click here 01 The information you provide on this supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the examination process. Please be as specific as possible and include all information as requested. Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a response. Please note that all information is subject to verification at any time in the examination and hiring process. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or dismissal. * Yes, I understand the above information and instructions. 02 Which required Internship Stipend Program will you anticipate to complete successfully in the 2017-2018 academic year? * Master of Social Work Internship Stipend Program - DCFS Title IV-E Stipend Program * Master/Bachelor of Social Work Internship Stipend Program - The California Social Work Education Center (CalSWEC) Program with DCFS under Federal Title IV-E * Bachelor of Social Work Internship Program offered by DCFS * None of the above 03 Do you have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college with a major in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Child Development, or a related Human Services field? **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, Family and Child Counseling. * Yes * No 04 If you answer "Yes" to question #3, did you provide/upload a legible copy of the official diploma or a copy of official transcripts which states the major and degree confirmation to your online application? If you answer "No" to question #3, please select "Not Applicable". * Yes * No * Not Applicable 05 Questions 6-29 are part of a Training & Experience (T&E) Questionnaire used as a self-assessment of one's training and experience. You will respond to questions related to having acquired the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the Children's Social Worker Trainee position. All information that you provide is subject to verification. The assessment will evaluate the following competencies: Professional/Technical Expertise: Knowledge of child welfare practices this refers to the practices used in child welfare services (e.g., child development, abandonment, grief and loss, separation and attachment, and parenting) and the methods to ensure issues are appropriately and ethically addressed. Professional/Technical Expertise: Knowledge of case management principles and practices this refers to the principles and practices related to professional relationships, ethical standards, social worker roles, intervention processes (e.g., assessment and planning), documentation, and client service delivery with individuals, families, and groups. Professional/Technical Expertise: Knowledge of the provisions of the California Welfare and Institutions Code as applied to social work that deals with dependent, neglected, abused, or abandoned children, and family maintenance, family reunification, permanency planning, and emancipation. Professional/Technical Expertise: Knowledge of Federal laws and regulations as applied to social work that deals with dependent, neglected, exploited, abused, or abandoned children, and family maintenance, family reunification, permanency planning, and emancipation. This knowledge area refers to the following Federal laws: Resource Family Approval Program (RFA), Interstate Compact of the Placement of Children (ICPC), Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA), Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). This assessment is weighted 100%. All completed questionnaires will be scored according to standardized criteria. Instructions for Completion Carefully read the official County job bulletin for this examination. You will receive points for each question based on the response(s) you provide. You will receive zero points for any question on which you a) do not provide a response, or b) do not provide a brief description from your training and/or experience, when prompted, that supports the response(s) you have indicated. Referrals to a resume or the County application will be considered a non-response. Certification Statement By completing the following, I hereby attest that all information I have provided in this T&E Questionnaire is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I acknowledge that Human Resources staff may contact my employers to verify the information that I have provided. I understand that any misrepresentations, falsifications, or omissions of material facts violates Civil Service Rules and may subject me to actions including removal from this examination. Furthermore, I certify that I will not disclose the questions used in this examination to any candidate nor will I provide any information to anyone concerning anything related to the questions posed to me other than concerned parties in an official protest or appeal. I understand that violation of this agreement can result in my disqualification from this examination as provided by Civil Service Rules. I have read and understand the above instructions. * Yes