HS Homeless Services Social Worker IV

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HS Homeless Services Social Worker IV

Salary

$68,864.05 - $91,818.72 Annually

Location

throughout Ventura County, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

0115HSA-24AA (KLM)

Department

Human Services Agency

Opening Date

12/24/2024

Closing Date

1/10/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Description

Be part of the strength of human relationships and community partnerships by becoming a Homeless Services Social Worker for Ventura County!

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) 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.

OUR COUNTY AND COMMUNITY Ventura County is located on California's "Gold Coast," approximately 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 20 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. The County includes 42 miles of coastline which is home to the fol­lowing cities and points of interest: Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura as well as national protected areas such as parts of the Angeles National Forest, Channel Islands National Park, and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Ventura County’s beauty and weather combined with a wonderful quality of life are among the many reasons our residents choose to call Ventura County "home."

The County of Ventura employs nearly 10,000 staff members who serve Ventura County residents, all of whom have unique experiences and perspectives. Each of us has a responsibility to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging 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 County’s values.

THE AGENCY

To learn about the Human Services Agency, click “Who We Are (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq89F-aztw0) ” to view a short video about our multiple departments.

HSA is comprised of nearly 1400 staff members who serve approximately a third of Ventura County residents, all of whom have unique experiences and perspectives. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and assist communities by bringing these values into the workforce.

THE POSITION

HSA is currently seeking lead social workers to work with people who are experiencing homelessness. Under general supervision, Homeless Services Social Worker IV (HSSW IV) provides mobile outreach to homeless persons, conducts mental, physical, and social assessments, develops case plans, initiates linkage to appropriate services by collaborating with multiple partner agencies, and provides intensive case management services. HSSW IV is the lead-worker level. In addition to the comprehensive program knowledge the incumbent handles a complex caseload; serves as a resource for fellow coworkers at the HSSW I/II/III levels, and may assume temporary supervisory responsibility as needed.

To learn more about the services provided by our Homeless Services Program, click here (https://youtu.be/eKwovMMV6Ro) to view a short video.

HS Homeless Services Social Worker IV is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and is eligible for overtime compensation.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate possesses a graduate degree in social work; considerable experience in social work case management, Housing First principles, trauma-informed care, working with individuals and families who are at risk of and/or experiencing homelessness and/or low-income; and experience partnering with community or county agencies to advocate, secure, or co-manage services for clients. Additionally, the candidate works well independently and uses good judgment in the largely field-based work environment; has demonstrated the necessary skill set to lead others; is computer proficient; has excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal; and has experience working with people of various backgrounds and has a good understanding of any personal bias they may have so they can perform their duties with integrity and professionalism. Bilingual skill in English and Spanish is highly desired.

Ideal candidates will possess the following 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

• 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

• Customer Service – Ensuring consistent, responsive, and superior delivery of services to internal and external stakeholders

• Decision Making – Exercising discretion and good judgement 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

• Professional Integrity & Ethics – Demonstrating high standards of conduct and consistently adhering to sound moral principles

• Relationship Building – Developing and maintaining stable, mutually beneficial networks of cooperation among clients, coworkers, vendors, and other organizations

• Resilience – maintaining emotional stability and exercising self-control when managing challenging work demands

• Results Focus – Initiating tasks, meeting organizational goals, and committing to proficient accomplishment

• Team Orientation – Embracing a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to cooperating with others to achieve shared goals

• Writing – Using text to effectively communicate information

Examples Of Duties

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

• Assesses social, physical, and mental functioning and needs of clients through interviews, outreach/home visits, records reviews or consultations with appropriate agencies and individuals.

• Provides case management services in a timely and complete manner. Refers, authorizes and/or coordinates services in alignment with individual service plans.

• Collaborates with landlords, housing authorities, employers, mental health providers, police departments, and representatives of healthcare and other social service agencies to develop service plans, evaluate and monitor cases.

• Prepares and maintains case reports, records, and computerized information.

• Assists clients in the application for benefits and accessing shelter and/or housing opportunities.

• Mentors new workers, provides consultation to less-experienced workers and serves as a resource person for co-workers.

• Interprets departmental policies, rules and regulations for clients, potential clients, partner agencies, employees, and the public.

• Assists with training new staff and provides follow-up coaching to subordinates on various case management techniques and understanding of grant regulations, eligibility, and documentation requirements.

• Represents the agency on related committees and taskforce groups.

• May provide supervisory oversight of the unit during the temporary absence of the HS Homeless Services Supervisor.

• Makes presentations to the public on related homeless services, legal mandates, and availability of community services.

• Provides occasional back-up for co-workers.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

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

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE

The required knowledge and abilities can be obtained by one of the following:

• A Master's degree from an accredited university in Social Work (MSW), Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), or another closely related advanced degree AND twenty-four (24) months of field-based adult case management experience including twelve (12) months of field-based homeless service case management experience.

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Social Work (BSW) or Human Services (BHS) AND thirty-six (36) months of field-based adult case management experience including twelve (12) months of field-based homeless service case management experience.

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a field related to human services AND forty-eight (48) months of field-based adult case management experience including twelve (12) months of field-based homeless service case management experience.

Substitution: Additional qualifying experience providing field-based adult case management services can be substituted for the related four-year college degree on a year-for-year basis.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess, or have the ability to obtain, and maintain a valid California driver license.

• HS Homeless Services Social Workers are required to furnish their own vehicles for use on the job and are reimbursed by the County for mileage.

• Incumbents are required to perform after hours standby services as needed; and requires some evening work, especially during the winter shelter season.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire and will be evaluated during the probationary period.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Duties may require considerable driving to make field-based visits to clients in environments that may be unsanitary or unsafe; outreach to outdoor locations; walking on uneven ground; home visits to apartments that involve stairs; may be exposed to people with body odor and cigarette smoke; and visits to environments with pets and pests. Incumbents may encounter clients who are under the influence or intense reactions from clients and others in the course of performing job duties. Work locations, work schedules, and work units will vary, and may change as needed according to business needs and at the discretion of management. 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).

DESIRED

• Master’s Degree in Social Work

• Two or more years' experience serving the homeless population as a case management social worker.

• Bilingual skills in English and Spanish.

• Experience using an automated case management system.

• Demonstrated work experience partnering with community and/or local agencies to advocate, secure, or co-manage services for clients.

• Proven knowledge and demonstrated work experience with a person-centered, trauma-informed approach to serving clients.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: Applications must be received by County of Ventura, Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025.

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.

Information for Transfer Candidates: 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 (http://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/HR/docs/Lateral_Transfer.pdf) (Download PDF reader) for additional information.

Note to Applicants: Applications 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 sections; however, it may not be substituted 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 recruitment and hiring 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.

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION: A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a structured evaluation of the job application materials submitted by a candidate, including the written responses to the supplemental questionnaire. The T&E is NOT a determination of whether the candidate meets the stated requirements; rather, the T&E is one method for determining who are the better qualified among those who have shown that they meet the stated requirements. In a T&E, applications are either scored or rank ordered according to criteria that most closely meet the business needs of the department. Candidates are typically scored/ranked in relation to one another; consequently, when the pool of candidates is exceptionally strong, many qualified candidates may receive a score or rank which is moderate or even low resulting in them not being advanced in the process. NOTE: The selection process will likely consist of an Oral Exam, which may be preceded or replaced with the score from a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), contingent upon the size and quality of the candidate pool. In a typical T&E, your training and experience are evaluated in relation to the background, experience and factors identified for successful job performance during a job analysis. For this reason, it is recommended that your application materials clearly show your relevant background and specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is also highly recommended that the supplemental questions within the application are completed with care and diligence. Responses such as "See Resume" or "Refer to Resume" are not acceptable and may disqualify an applicant from further evaluation.

ORAL EXAMINATION - 100%: A job-related oral examination will be conducted to evaluate and compare participating examinees' knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to those factors which job analysis has determined to be essential for successful performance of the job. Examinees must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

NOTE: If there are three (3) or fewer qualified applicants, an examination may not be conducted. Instead, a score of seventy percent (70%) will be assigned to each application, and each applicant will be placed on the eligible list.

ELIGIBLE LIST: Applicants successfully completing the exam process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill present and future Regular, Temporary, Fixed-Term, Intermittent, and Extra-help vacancies within the Human Services Agency.

SELECTION INTERVIEW: When a position becomes available, applicants are referred to the employing department for interviews beginning with the highest scoring applicants, moving down the list from the top until the available positions are filled.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record is 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.

RECRUITER CONTACT INFORMATION: For further information about this recruitment, please contact Kim Mariscal by email at kim.mariscal@ventura.org or by telephone at (805) 477-5153.

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 (https://hr.ventura.org/benefits) or you may call (805) 654-2570.

• Retirement FAQ's (https://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/benefits/docs/RETIREMENT%20-%20FAQs.pdf)

• Memorandum of Agreement

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

01

Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain prior to appointment, and maintain a valid California driver license?

• Yes

• No

  02

  Are you willing and able to work in environments:

  • where conditions may be unsanitary or unsafe;

  • where you may encounter intense reactions from clients or others;

  • where you may be exposed to people with body odor and cigarette smoke;

  • with pets and pests.

• Yes

• No

  03

  Are you willing and able to perform after hours standby services and some evening work as needed?

• Yes

• No

  04

  Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.

• No high school diploma or GED

• High school diploma or GED

• 1 to less than 60 semester units of college course work

• 60 or more semester units of college course work, but no degree

• Associate's degree

• Bachelor's degree

• Master's degree or higher

  05

  Please indicate the major field of study for the highest level of education you indicated above.

• Social Work

• Marriage & Family Therapy

• Human /Social Services

• Other field of study closely related to this position

• Other field of study not related to this position

• None

• Sociology

• Psychology

• Counseling

  06

  If you selected "Other field of study closely related to this position" in the question above, please indicate the field of study for your highest level of educational achievement AND how it relates to this position. (Indicate "N/A" if not applicable.)

  07

  Which option below best describes your full-time progressively responsible field-based adult case management experience?

  (NOTE: Full time is considered 40 hours per week; anything less than that must be prorated. Experience indicated here must be included in the Work Experience section of your application to be considered qualifying.)

• None

• 0 to less than 1 year

• 1 to less than 2 years

• 2 to less than 3 years

• 3 to less than 4 years

• 4 to less than 5 years

• 5 to less than 6 years

• 6 to less than 7 years

• 7 to less than 8 years

• 8 to less than 9 years

• 9 to less than 10 years

• 10 or more years

  08

  Which option below best describes your full-time progressively responsible field-based homeless service case management experience?

  (NOTE: Full time is considered 40 hours per week; anything less than that must be prorated. Experience indicated here must be included in the Work Experience section of your application to be considered qualifying.)

• None

• 0 to less than 1 year

• 1 to less than 2 years

• 2 to less than 3 years

• 3 to less than 4 years

• 4 to less than 5 years

• 5 or more years

  09

  Describe your field-based adult AND homeless services case management experience where you gained and referenced in questions no. 7. and no. 8. Be thorough and clear in your response and include the following:

  A. Employer(s) where you obtained this experience

  B. Your job title(s)

  C. Time frame(s) (start and end dates in month/year format)

  D. Description of duties and responsibilities that demonstrates the scope of your field-based case management experience serving adult clients and the homeless population.

  E. Any experience you may have in field work, providing homeless services outside an office environment. Include the conditions of the environment and your observance of individual and group behavior.

  If you do not have this type of experience, please type "no experience."

  10

  Describe some of the common characteristics and barriers that may be experienced by someone facing homelessness or housing instability, and how would you address these in case planning.

  If you do not have this type of experience, please type "no experience."

  11

  Describe your professional experience collaborating with County partners and/or local agencies to advocate, secure, or co-manage services for clients who are homeless. Provide examples that demonstrate your knowledge of community resources and social services programs available to individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, and your ability to work effectively with representatives of other agencies and organizations.

  If you do not have this type of experience, please type "no experience."

  12

  Homeless Services uses a Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to assess, refer, and manage cases electronically. Please provide a detailed description of your experience using HMIS or a similar automated case management system/computer software or application.

  If you do not have this type of experience, please type "no experience."

  13

  Describe your work experience interviewing individuals and families to gather information for needs assessment. Include details that demonstrate techniques you have used to recognize relevant and significant facts and obtain information from individuals who may be reluctant to share or difficult to get information from for a variety of reasons. Provide an example of your experience in this area that illustrates your ability to analyze situations, gather information, and adopt an effective course of action.

  If you do not have this type of experience, type indicate "no experience."

  14

  Describe how your work experience has prepared you for a lead position as a Homeless Services Social Worker IV. Include examples of your leadership experience training, coaching, and serving as a resource to co-workers.

  If you do not have this type of experience, please type “no experience.”

  15

  Please acknowledge your understanding and acceptance, by marking "Yes" below, that incumbents in these positions must be available to work outside their normal schedules, as required, in the event of an emergency incident or disaster. This may include evenings, weekends, and extended hours; 24/7 availability during an event may be required. Additionally, incumbents may be exposed to unhealthy work conditions depending on the nature of the incident or disaster, and must be able to work effectively in a high-stress environment. If you do not understand, or are unwilling to accept the work conditions described in the statement above, select "No".

• Yes

• No

  Required Question

Agency

Ventura County

Address

800 S. Victoria Avenue LOC. #1970 Ventura, California, 93009

Phone

(805) 654-5129

Website

http://hr.ventura.org

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