Position Information

Social Service Supervisor I's (SSSI) in the Human Services Department are responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising the work of a unit of Social Service Workers and Assistants. They will hold group meetings and individual conferences with assigned Social Service Workers to plan and review work activities, discuss departmental policies and procedures, and address specific case problems. SSSI’s also work with the general public, ensuring programs and services are readily available and managed correctly. The Family, Youth, and Children Social Service Supervisor will work with children, families, and caregivers to schedule supervised visits, assign visitation referrals, and ensure visitations are handled safely and correctly. Additional duties include:

• Managing calendars for supervised visits and ensuring they happen as scheduled
• Training, coaching, supporting, and mentoring direct reports daily
• Checking the Apricot system for visit referrals and coordinating visits with Social Work Assistants as well as managing the waitlist
• Ensuring that visit spaces are prepared for supervised visits
• Working with parents and/or caregivers to ensure they know the guidelines and rules for visits while simultaneously supporting Social Work Assistants starting difficult visits
• Maintaining a presence at visits with traumatized children and caregivers to provide support when needed
• Working hand-in-hand with community organizations to assist in providing space for the department to supervise visits in the community

The ideal candidate for this position will be an effective leader and experienced Social Service Worker, have detailed knowledge of social service programs and regulations, have worked with children, families, and/or caregivers, and possess:

• Experience supervising staff
• Knowledge of social services, community resources, safety-net programs, and Child Welfare System laws and regulations
• Experience developing and presenting trainings
• Education, knowledge, and experience in Secondary Trauma and its Impact on self and others
• An understanding of Cultural Competencies and diversity
• The ability to effectively handle major changes in work responsibilities and adjust effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures
• Training and knowledge of Trauma Informed Care Practice Framework
• The ability to speak in public settings and conduct presentations
• Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, and regulations
• Strong analytical and research skills, sound judgment, and a commonsense approach
• The ability to develop and maintain relationships with care-givers and teams in a professional and empathetic manner
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and lead cross-sector social change initiatives
• The ability to de-escalate clients, allow them the space to vent, and talk through their frustrations
• Knowledge of Outlook, Apricot, and CWS/CMS (The child welfare database)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are desired but not required

About the Human Services Department (HSD)

HSD fosters a positive work environment, where our commitment to providing opportunities for advancement is strengthened by a robust staff development program. We believe in the merits of work/life balance and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that our work contributes to the betterment of our community.

As the largest agency in Sonoma County government, our mission is to protect vulnerable children and adults, and to promote maximum independence and well-being for individuals and families. HSD is responsible for child and adult protective services, veteran services, and administration of state and federal programs, including CalFRESH, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and In-Home Supportive Services. The department is dedicated to providing high quality, client-focused, cost-effective services and values the diversity, integrity, teamwork, leadership, and accountability of all staff in accomplishing the mission of the Department.

The Department works collaboratively at the federal, state, and local level to find creative solutions to support the health, safety, and well-being of individuals, families, and the community. To meet that goal, the Department has fostered strong relationships with other public and private sector partners, including other government agencies, community-based organizations, and business leaders. For more information regarding HSD's services please visit http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Human-Services.

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing your contributions work to better our shared community. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• A hybrid telework schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending upon assignment
• Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance of up to $650 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
• May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment

• Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

This recruitment is currently being conducted to fill a Social Service Supervisor I vacancy. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment. The Civil Service title for this position is Social Service Supervisor I.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
• Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the application, examination, and department selection processes.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online at: www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: EP
HR Tech: EV