HS Homeless Services Social Worker I/II/III

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 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.

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 fol lowing 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 ” to view a short video about our multiple departments.

HSA is comprised of nearly 1,500 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

Our Community Access and Engagement Division (CAE) is currently seeking social workers to work with people who are experiencing homelessness. Under direct (level I) or general (levels II and III) supervision, Homeless Services Social Workers (HSSWs) provide field-based case management to persons who are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness, conduct mental, physical, and social assessments, develop case plans, and initiate linkage to appropriate services by collaborating with multiple partner agencies.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate has a graduate degree in social work or clinical psychology, and professional-level experience working with individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness and/or low income, and partnering with community, state, or county agencies to advocate, secure, or co-manage services for clients. Additionally, the ideal candidate works well independently and uses good judgment in a largely field-based work environment. Lastly, the ideal candidate has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and is computer proficient.

Ideal candidates will possess the following competencies:

• Adaptability & Flexibility - Responding positively to change and fluidly modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Attention to Detail - Accomplishing tasks thoroughly with concern for all elements involved, however small
• 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
• 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
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding, analyzing, and applying written information
• 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
• 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

DISTINGUISHING CLASSIFICATION LEVELS

Each level in the Homeless Services Social Worker I/II/II series differs from the preceding level, in that work is done more independently and with a higher level of initiative, self-direction and judgment.

HS Homeless Services Social Worker I (HSSW I) - $24.32 - 32.43/hourly depending on directly related experience

HSSW I is the 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 a HS Homeless Services Social Worker II.

HS Homeless Services Social Worker II (HSSW II) - $28.73 - 38.31/hourly depending on directly related experience

HSSW II is the journey-level classification where the incumbent demonstrates a working knowledge about the practices of the Homeless Services Program and is able to work under general supervision. In addition, the incumbent handles more complex cases with the consultation of the lead worker.

HS Homeless Services Social Worker III (HSSW III) - $30.92 - 41.23/hourly depending on directly related experience

HSSW III is the advanced journey-level classification where the incumbent provides complex services under general direction. The incumbent demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of Homeless Services eligibility requirements and the overall program and may serve as a resource for the rest of the team.

HS Homeless Services Social Worker I/II/III are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and are eligible for overtime compensation.

Examples Of Duties

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

• Assess social, physical, mental functioning and needs of clients through interviews, outreach/home visits, record reviews, or consultation with appropriate agencies and individuals.
• Refer, authorize, and/or coordinate services as necessary to complete individual service plans. Follow through with case management service to assure that services are provided in a timely and complete manner.
• Interpret departmental policies, rules and regulations for applicants, agencies, and the public.
• Prepare and maintain case reports and records, and computerized information.
• Collaborate with landlords, housing authorities, Health Care Agency, mental health providers, police, representatives of other service agencies, and various Human Services departments to develop service plans, evaluate and monitor cases.
• Assist clients in the application for benefits and accessing shelter and/or housing opportunities.
• Participate in outreach events in collaboration with community partners to inform, assess, and make referrals for basic client needs.
• Attend resource events, participate in community meetings, and engage in presentations to the public on related homeless services, legal mandates, and availability of community services.
• Perform other related duties as required.

In addition to above duties, the HSSW III may also perform the following duties:

• Mentor new workers, provide consultation to less experienced workers and serve as a resource person for co-workers.

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the exam process, they do not assure continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE

HS Homeless Services Social Worker I :
A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in Social Work (BSW), or Human Services (BHS);
OR
A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in a field related to human services AND twelve (12) months experience performing case management services.

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

HS Homeless Services Social Worker II:
A Master's Degree from an accredited university in Social Work (MSW), Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), or another closely related advanced degree;
OR
A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in Social Work (BSW), or Human Services (BHS) AND twelve (12) months experience performing case management services;
OR
A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in a field related to human services AND twenty-four (24) months of adult case management experience.

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

HS Homeless Services Social Worker III:
A Master's Degree from an accredited university in Social Work (MSW), Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), or another closely related advanced degree AND twelve (12) months of homeless services case management experience;
OR
A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in Social Work (BSW), or Human Services (BHS) AND twenty-four (24) months of adult case management experience including twelve (12) months of homeless service case management experience;
OR
A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in a field related to human services AND thirty-six (36) months of adult case management experience including twelve (12) months of homeless service case management experience.

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

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to obtain, prior to appointment, and maintain a valid California driver license.
• Homeless Services Social Workers are required to furnish their own vehicle for use on the job, and mileage will be reimbursed.
• Some positions may be English/Spanish bilingual required. For those positions, successfully passing the bilingual test at the indicated level will be a condition of continued employment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire and will be evaluated during the probationary period.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION/WORK CONDITIONS

Though not on a daily basis, duties 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. Incumbents are required to perform after hours standby services as needed. The position requires some evening work especially during the winter shelter season. 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

• An advanced degree in Social Work, Clinical Psychology, or related field.
• Professional-level experience working with individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness and/or low income.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: Applications must be received by the County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 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: 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.

No te: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they 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 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.

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 and community resources, interpersonal skills, English usage, attention to detail, and reading comprehension 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.

ELIGIBLE LIST: Candidates successfully completing the examination 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.

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.

Note: If appointed at the lower levels, an employee may be promoted to the higher level(s) up to HSSW III 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 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.

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 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: 5/8/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• County of Ventura

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