Job Description

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 the following:

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 applicant’s 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 recipient’s 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 State’s CMIPS II database.

** Family and Children’s 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 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 client’s housing needs are met to the best of the program’s 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 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 cases for engagement and accuracy.
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 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 client’s 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 Master’s 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:**
Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Review SF Careers Employment Applications for considerations taken when reviewing applications.

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 https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/experience-education/.

Note: Falsifying one’s 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.

Selection Procedure :

After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:

Multiple Choice Examination(Weight- 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: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written language
• Professional and Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Handling and Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations
• Legal and Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations

This computer-administered exam can be taken at home or at a time and location of one’s convenience, but only within the time period specified on the exam 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.

This is a standardized examination and therefore, in accordance with Civil Service Rule 111.11.4, inspection privileges do not apply to the questions and answers of this examination.

A passing score must be achieved on the Remote Multiple-Choice Examination in order to continue in the selection process.

For your reference, a Multiple-Choice Test Preparation Manual is available here: http://www.sfdhr.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=18426.

Please note: Candidates must use only the tools, materials, and resources provided or explicitly authorized in the exam instructions. Accessing or attempting to access any other programs, websites, applications, devices, or external aids, including any artificial intelligence is strictly prohibited. Additionally, candidates may not copy, record, reproduce, or take notes on any portion of the exam, nor refer to unauthorized materials at any time. Discussing or disclosing exam content with others is also prohibited. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in disqualification.

Additional Information

Eligible List/Score Report:

A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.

The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be 12 ****months and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director.

To find Departments which use this classification, please see the city’s Position Counts by Job Codes and Departments.

** Terms 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. [Note: The correction of clerical errors in an announcement may be posted on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov/.]

The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 110.4. Such appeals must be submitted in writing to the Department of Human Resources, 1 S Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-5413 by close of business on the 5th business day following the issuance date of this examination announcement. Information concerning other Civil Service Commission Rules involving announcements, applications and examination policies, including applicant appeal rights, can be found on the Civil Service Commission website at https://sf.gov/departments/civil-service-commission. ****

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
• Seniority Credit in Promotional Exams
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

Where to Apply

All job applications for the City and County of San Francisco must be submitted through our online portal. Please visit https://careers.sf.gov/ to begin your application process.

Computers are available for the public (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) to file online applications in the lobby of the Dept. of Human Resources at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor and at the City Career Center at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 110.

Ensure your application information is accurate, as changes may not be possible after submission. Your first and last name must match your legal ID for verification, and preferred names can be included in parentheses. Use your personal email address, not a shared or work email, to avoid unfixable issues.

Applicants will receive a confirmation email from notification@smartrecruiters.com 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.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the exam analyst, Patrice Brown, by telephone at (415) 557-5559 or by email at patrice.brown@sfgov.org.

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.