Social Work Specialist – San Francisco Human Services Agency (2916) (X00096)

Under direction the 2916 Social Work Specialist performs a variety of specialized duties in support of human service programs including but not limited to Continuous Quality Improvement Case Management Personnel Administration or Handbook Writing specialties.

Positions in this classification are responsible for carrying out specialized functions for an assigned human service program which require a comprehensive knowledge of federal state local and departmental policies procedures rules and regulations. The specific job responsibilities may vary depending on the Program Assignment. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109 the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job class and are not intended to be an inclusive list; may include additional duties as assigned.

1.  Review and track department compliance with federal and state regulations related to case service delivery ensuring payment requests are accurate and services are appropriate.

2.  Conduct field investigations including in-home visits and collateral contacts with families service providers medical and school staff and other professionals to verify compliance and service effectiveness.

3.  Perform desk reviews of client cases; interview families service providers and stakeholders; evaluate data for errors and assess compliance with regulations; make recommendations or referrals for further investigation.

4.  Schedule and conduct audits; assess findings for accuracy and discuss results with assigned staff or supervisors to ensure compliance and corrective actions.

5.  Prepare and submit statistical and narrative reports documenting compliance findings and program outcomes.

6.  Conduct client assessments develop case plans summarize client needs and barriers and facilitate referrals to community services.

7.  Assist participants in navigating program expectations policies and available resources while coordinating with internal staff and community organizations.

8.  Research revise and monitor program policies and procedures to ensure alignment with federal and state regulations; provide policy interpretation as needed.

9.  Provide training guidance and policy interpretation to department staff the public and service providers on program policies and procedures; make recommendations as needed.

10. Develop and update written material including but not limited to: manuals forms policy-related resources training material and other resources.

11. Provide specialized case management services to eligible clients.

In addition to the duties above for the unique assignments below incumbents may perform the following duties:

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

The Social Work Specialist in IHSS performs a variety of specialized duties in support of IHSS including specialized case management. This position provides specialized case management services to meet the needs of high-risk Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) residents who are eligible to receive IHSS. The essential duties may include but are not limited to:

1.  Work with Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) sites to provide In-Home Supportive Services intakes reassessments and on-going multi-language case maintenance for formerly homeless tenants residing in PSH who require IHSS to maintain housing stability.

2.  Participate in collaborative support service team meetings comprised of PSH on-site case management and property management Homebridge a licensed health care provider and Adult Protective Services to support tenant housing and health stability.

3.  Coordinate with on-site case management to conduct initial intake assessments evaluates IHSS eligibility and authorize home care hours per State regulations. It may require multiple in-person outreaches phone calls and letters.  

4.  Determine urgent needs that requires home care service to start prior to IHSS authorization.

5.  Evaluate applicants ability to manage own care and makes referrals to IHSS Public Authority Registry and Homebridge to assist in obtaining services.

6.  Conduct annual and emergency reassessments to assess recipients needs and authorizing home care hours per State regulations.

7.  Manage caseload issues such as loss of Medi-Cal Inter-County Transfers loss of home care provider and leaves.

8.  Document all work in States CMIPS II database.

Family and Childrens Services (FCS) Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)

Social Work Specialists in FCS CQI provide ongoing continuous improvement support through monitoring evaluating and making suggestions for improvements to FCS programs and policies. The essential duties may include but are not limited to:

1.  Review and monitor department compliance to federal and state regulations as related to case service delivery.

2.  Perform case reviews interviews with families service providers and stakeholders to evaluate data for errors and compliance with state and federal regulations. Assess validity of audited findings and conclusions and discuss with staff or unit supervisor.

3.  Compile and submit statistical and narrative reports and provide evidence of compliance related to federal and state policies and procedures.

4.  Assist with training sessions for internal and external stakeholders.

5.  Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives.

6.  Participate in community professional groups and committees.

7.  Gather and analyze statistical data using computer programs and present data in meaningful reports for key stakeholders. Provide evidence of compliance related to federal and state policies and procedures.

8.  Facilitate team meetings in collaboration with families community members and service providers to support planning and decision-making efforts on behalf of families.

CalWORKs Social Work Specialist (SWS)

CalWORKs Social Work Specialist (SWS) are responsible for providing wrap-around services and case management focused on addressing the needs of the entire family to get them towards the path of self-sufficiency. The essential duties may include but are not limited to:

1.  Provide intensive and multi-disciplinary case management coaching and referral services to all CalWORKs clients (whole family units) to identify the most appropriate path towards employment and self-sufficiency.

2.  Conduct in-depth assessments of clients functional limitations barriers and needs using on-line appraisal tools computer applications and/or other systems.

3.  Educate and help participants navigate through program expectations policies procedures and services.

4.  Coordinate wrap-around services if needed by collaborating with other HSA services or outside providers and perform outreach engagement strategy in person telephone mail and home visits to referred families according to established guidelines.

5.  Participate in regular case consultations to discuss client assessments and case plans.

6.  Develop appropriate case plans that are aligned with CalWORKs Welfare to Work and other regulatory requirements.

7.  Compile and submit statistical and narrative reports using computer applications and systems.

8.  Connect clients to housing services and outside providers and provide supportive services to ensure clients housing needs are met to the best of the programs abilities.  Develop housing plans for clients that are aligned with Welfare-to-Work plans.

9.  Provide emergency crisis and short-term interventions as well as American Disability Act (ADA) assistance to clients and families in need.

10. Participate and contribute in short and long-term projects with other workgroups as appropriate.

CalWORKs Employment Specialist Quality Assurance (ESQA)

Social Work Specialists working in the ESQA unit perform specialized duties utilizing comprehensive knowledge of Federal State Local and departmental policies procedures rules and regulations and various computer systems. Incumbents review and monitor Employment Specialist work for compliance related to the CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work (CW WTW) program by verifying activity participation eligibility and required hours of participation. The essential duties may include but are not limited to:

1.  Review program regulations and quality control guidelines and procedures; prepare reports on findings; identify problems of non-compliance; recommend corrective action regarding discrepancies.

2.  Review monthly Welfare to Work participation survey samples for accuracy and finalize survey for timely submission to the State Department.

3.  Identify training needs.

4.  Keep abreast with program regulations and current laws rules and regulations.

5.  Interpret and apply Federal State County and Departmental policies procedures laws and regulations; prepare clear and concise reports; audit records; accurately gather record and evaluate data; analyze and interpret information and adopt effective courses of action; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; effectively communicate with staff and clients.

6.  Assist in developing revising and updating Department policies and procedures.

7.  Facilitate and contribute to short- and long-term projects and workgroups.

County Adult Assistance Program (CAAP) Client Health Services (CHS) Case Management

Social Work Specialists in the CAAP CHS Case Management Program provide case management services to eligible recipients of CAAP. They conduct assessments with clients help clients navigate the application process for disability benefits and refer clients to the appropriate community resources to support physical and mental well-being. The essential duties may include but are not limited to:

1.  Provide case management services to CAAP clients.

2.  Assess clients situation through conducting interviews performing biopsychosocial assessments collecting medical and psychiatric records contacting physicians psychologists and other community providers and evaluating all information to determine disabling conditions substance use mental health issues or other barriers to employment.

3.  Summarize clients functional limitations and make referrals to community services. Collaborate with physicians psychologists Social Security Administration (SSA) representatives and other stakeholders involved with clients case.

4.  Educate and help clients navigate through the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) application process for disability benefits.

5.  Serve as liaison with Social Security Administration State Department of Social Security and other governmental organizations. Maintain contact with disability examiners in order to fulfill requests for additional documentation

6.  Utilizes clinical interview techniques that include the ability to establish rapport to manage anxiety and other emotions that may occur when discussing sensitive issues and utilize de-escalation and crisis management techniques when indicated.

7.  Treat clients and staff with respect and dignity.

8.  Stays abreast of relevant federal state local and departmental policies procedures rules and regulations related to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) and Immigration and attends periodic seminars related to mental health medical conditions and drug addiction.

9.  Participate in weekly case presentations discussing client problems diagnoses and plans.  Assist the training of new staff members.

Qualifications :

1.  Education: Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;

AND

2.  Experience: Two (2) years of social casework or employment services experience with a public or private agency/organization.

Substitution for Education: Additional experience as described above may be substituted for the required degree on a year-for-year basis (up to a maximum of two (2) years). Thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units equal one year.

Substitution for Experience: Possession of a Masters degree in Social Work or Counseling may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed to advance through all of the steps in the selection process.

Verification of Education and Experience:
Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required information on how to verify education requirements including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency can be found at  ones education training or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

All work experience education training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.

Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility disqualification or may lead to lower scores. 

Selection Procedures:

Written Examination Multiple Choice (100%)

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take a remote multiple-choice exam. The exam is designed to measure competencies in job-related areas which may include but are not limited to:

• Analyzing and Interpreting Data
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Professional and Technical Expertise
• Handling and Resolving Conflict
• Legal and Regulatory Navigation

This computer-administered test can be taken at home or at a time and location of ones convenience but only within the time period specified on the test notification. Candidates must have access to a computer and reliable internet connection to participate in this exam. Candidates without access to a computer should contact the analyst as soon as possible for accommodation.

The above test components are considered standardized and therefore test questions and answers are not available for public inspection or review.

A passing score must be achieved on all examination components in order to be placed on the eligible list. 

To find Departments which use this classification please see: of Announcement and Appeal Rights:

Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement including requirements time periods and other particulars except when superseded by federal state or local laws rules or regulations. Clerical errors may be corrected by the posting the correction on the Department of Human Resources website at: terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 110.4. The standard for the review of such appeals is abuse of discretion or no rational basis for establishing the position description the minimum qualifications and/or the certification rule. Appeals must include a written statement of the item(s) being contested and the specific reason(s) why the cited item(s) constitute(s) abuse of discretion by the Human Resources Director. Appeals must be submitted directly to the Executive Officer of the Civil Service Commission within five business days of the announcement issuance date.

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco

• Information About The Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview 
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Veterans Preference
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

 How to Apply

Applications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are only accepted through an online process. Visit  and begin the application process.

Select the Im Interested button and follow instructions on the screen

Applicants may be contacted by email about this recruitment and therefore it is their responsibility to ensure that their registered email address is accurate and kept up-to-date. Also applicants must ensure that email from CCSF is not blocked on their computer by a spam filter. To prevent blocking applicants should set up their email to accept CCSF mail from the following addresses (@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and @).

Applicants will receive a confirmation email from that that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received. 

Exam Analyst Information: If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process please contact the exam analyst Patrice Brown by telephone or by email at . 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex race age religion color national origin ancestry physical disability mental disability medical condition (associated with cancer a history of cancer or genetic characteristics) HIV/AIDS status genetic information marital status sexual orientation gender gender identity gender expression military and veteran status or other protected category under the law.