Social Work Specialist – San Francisco Human Services Agency (2916) (X00063)

THIS IS A CITYWIDE EXAM

Application Opening– February 16, 2024

Application Deadline– March 1, 2024

Compensation:$97,058 - $117,962 Yearly https://careers.sf.gov/classifications/?classCode=2916&setId=COMMN

List ID: CBT-2916-X00063;REF38260H

San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City's commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.At the San Francisco Human Services Agency, we believe in a San Francisco where everyone has the opportunity and support to achieve their full potential. We are comprised of the Department of Benefits and Family Support, and the Department of Disability and Aging Services, and are united by our commitment to deliver essential services that support and protect people, families, and communities.From financial, nutritional and employment support to child and adult protective services, health care coverage, affordable childcare, and in-home services for older adults and persons with disabilities, our team lends support for all in need.Our Commitment to Racial EquityAs we work towards our vision of an inclusive San Francisco, we embrace our responsibility to root out systemic racism by creating services and a workforce which reflect the lived experiences and strengths of the people we serve. We are committed to fostering a work environment where our differences are celebrated and everyone has what they need to thriveno matter their race, age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or country of origin. Click here to learn more about what this commitment looks like in action.Under direction, the 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 Tasks and DutiesAccording 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.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 Functions of this job may include but are not limited to the following:

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.

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

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.

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

Evaluate applicant’s ability to manage own care and makes referrals to IHSS Public Authority Registry and Homebridge to assist in obtaining services.

Conduct annual and emergency reassessments to assess recipient’s needs and authorizing home care hours per State regulations.

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

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 include, but are not limited to:

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

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.

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

Assist with training sessions for internal and external stakeholders.

Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives.

Participate in community, professional groups, and committees.

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.

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:

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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:

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

Review monthlyWelfare to Workparticipation survey samples for accuracy and finalize survey for timely submission to the State Department.

Identify training needs.

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

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.

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

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

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

Provide case management services to CAAP clients.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Treat clients and staff with respect and dignity.

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.

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

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

AND

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

Experience Substitution: Possession of a Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.Education Substitution: 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.Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted. Note: 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 athttps://sfdhr.org/how-verify-education-requirementsNote: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.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 will be administered a written multiple-choice test designed to measure knowledge, skills and/or abilities in job-related areas which may include but are not limited to: the operations, services and activities of the assigned human services program; departmental programs; ability to establish rapport and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with peers and other city departments; ability to establish and maintain human relations skills; ability to respond to and handle difficult situations; ability to communicate written information in a clear and concise manner to clients and staff; ability to comprehend and interpret written information; knowledge of and ability to interpret policies, rules and procedures; ability to maintain confidentiality and be dependable; and interpersonal and customer service skills.Candidate scores on this examination may also be applied to other announcements involving other job titles, when directed by the Human Resources Director.A passing score must be achieved on the Written Multiple Choice Examination in order to continue in the selection process.The above test component is considered standardized and, therefore, test questions and answers are not available for public inspection or review.After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (MQSQ):Candidates will be required to complete a MQSQ as part of the employment application. This MQSQ is designed to obtain specific information regarding an applicant's experience in relation to the Minimum Qualifications (MQ) for this position. The MQSQ will be used to evaluate if the applicant possesses the required minimum qualifications.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.smartrecruiters.com/CityAndCountyOfSanFrancisco1/ .] 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 http://sfgov.org/civilservice/rules.Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco

Information About The Hiring Process (https://sfdhr.org/information-about-hiring-process)

Conviction History

Employee Benefits Overview (https://sfdhr.org/benefits-overview)

Equal Employment Opportunity

Disaster Service Worker (https://sfdhr.org/disaster-service-workers)

ADA Accommodation

Veterans Preference (http://sfdhr.org/information-about-hiring-process#veteranspreference)

Right to Work

Copies of Application Documents (https://sfdhr.org/information-about-hiring-process#copies)

Diversity Statement

How to ApplyApplications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are onlyaccepted through an online process. Visithttps://careers.smartrecruiters.com/CityAndCountyOfSanFrancisco1/ (https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/CityAndCountyOfSanFrancisco1/%20) and begin the application process. Select the “I’m Interested” button and follow instructions on the screenApplicants 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 (@sfgov.org, @sfdpw.org, @sfport.com, @flysfo.com, @sfwater.org, @sfdph.org, @asianart.org, @sfmta.com, @sfpl.org, @dcyf.org, @first5sf.org, @famsf.org, @ccsf.edu, @smartalerts.info, and @smartrecruiters.com).Applicants will receive a confirmation email 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 Ridwan Mohamednur by telephone (415) 605-5672 or by email atridwan.mohamednur@sfgov.org.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.