State of California

Clinical Social Worker

State of California$99K — $106K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Social Work or Counseling from an accredited college or university, or equivalent qualifications
  • California Clinical Social Worker License required
  • 1-3 years of supervisory or administrative experience in social work or child care settings preferred
  • Experience working with individuals with disabilities or severe behavioral conditions
  • Cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care knowledge essential

Responsibilities

  • Assist individuals with activities of daily living during acute crises
  • Provide emotional support to individuals with developmental disabilities
  • Promote independence and personal growth for clients
  • Interact with clients in community settings, including homes and hospitals
  • Participate in behavior modification programs as needed

Benefits

  • Access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement benefits as a state employee
  • Potential additional benefits based on job classification and bargaining unit
  • Opportunities for career advancement within the Department
Full Job Description
The Department of Developmental Services (Department) is seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to join their team at the Stabilization Training Assistance Reintegration (STAR) Acute Crisis Homes. As a member of the STAR team, you will work to provide support to individuals with developmental disabilities during times of acute crisis. This role requires individuals who are passionate about person-centered care, and who are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. STAR currently provides assistance to adolescents (11-17 years old) and adults (18 years of age and older) who are receiving regional center services. The STAR homes are four to five bed homes in community settings (Vacaville, Springville, and Costa Mesa).

As a member of the Department STAR team, you will work in a community home setting where you will be responsible for assisting individuals with activities of daily living, providing emotional support, and promoting independence. This is an incredibly rewarding position for individuals who are passionate about helping others and who want to make a positive impact in their community. If you are looking for a career where you can truly make a difference, then we encourage you to apply for a role with the Department STAR Acute Crisis Homes today.

Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave.

The Department now offers an entrance salary rate of Range U $8265.00 or Range V of $8876.00 for the Clinical Social Worker classification.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

May involve heavy lifting over 25 pounds, often combined with pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, squatting, grabbing, carrying, kneeling, twisting, and reaching at, or above, shoulder level. Periodically requires extraordinary physical activity. May be reassigned to STAR residence or projects to meet operational needs. On-going interaction with individuals with developmental disabilities and severe psychiatric and behavioral conditions at STAR residence and in community settings, such as individual's homes, hospital, or psychiatric settings. Potential exposure to communicable diseases, blood-borne pathogens, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical nursing environment. May work extended hours, varying shifts, and site location to meet staffing requirements. Work will include travel and possible overnight stays. Must be able to travel to locations throughout the three STAR/CAST locations and DDS headquarters.

This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Pursuant to California Government Code requirements, candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment.

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER (HEALTH FACILITY)
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-526185

Position #(s):
472-721-9877-XXX

Working Title:
Clinical Social Worker

Classification:
CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER (HEALTH FACILITY) $8,265.00 - $10,066.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
Solano County

Telework:
In Office

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Department of Developmental Services (Department) is the agency through which the State of California provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities.

These disabilities include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and related conditions. Services are provided through state-operated developmental centers and community facilities, and contracts with 21 nonprofit regional centers. The regional centers serve as a local resource to help find and access the services and supports available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Please direct questions to: [email protected]
Department Website: http://www.dds.ca.gov

Special Requirements
  • The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
  • The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
  • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
  • The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
  • The position(s) require(s) a(n) Clinical Social Worker License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

In addition to possessing a Clinical Social Worker license and meeting the minimum qualifications of the Clinical Social Worker classification, the position requires one of the following additional requirements specified below in order to meet the group home requirements:

  • Have a master's degree in Social Work or Counseling from an accredited college or university, plus a minimum of one year of employment as a Social Worker, as defined in section 80001(a)(47), in an agency serving children or in a group residential program for children.
  • Have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, plus at least one year of administrative experience or supervisory experience over social work, child care, and/or support DSPs providing direct services to children in an agency or in a community care facility with a licensed capacity of seven or more.
  • Have completed at least two years at an accredited college or university, plus at least two years administrative experience or supervisory experience over social work, child care, and/or support DSPs providing direct services to children in an agency or in a community care facility with a licensed capacity of seven or more.
  • Have completed high school, or equivalent, plus at least three years administrative experience or supervisory experience over social work, child care, and/or support staff providing direct services to children in an agency or in a community care facility with a licensed capacity of seven or more.
  • Be a qualified behavior modification professional, defined by an individual with two years of experience; designing, supervising and implementing behavior modification services and a LCSW or LMFT (Title 17 Section 59050(v)).


  • Application Instructions
    Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
    Final Filing Date: Until Filled
    Who May Apply
    Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

    How To Apply
    Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

    Address for Mailing Application Packages

    You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

    Department of Developmental Services - Headquarters
    N/A
    Attn: Aira Dandoy
    Cert Unit
    1215 O Street, MS 10-40
    Sacramento , CA 95814

    Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

    You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

    Department of Developmental Services - Headquarters
    N/A
    Aira Dandoy
    Cert Unit
    1215 O Street, MS 10-40
    Sacramento , CA 95814

    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Required Application Package Documents

    The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
    • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
    • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
    Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

    Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

    Knowledge of : Cultural sensitivity for the population being served, positive behavioral supports, trauma informed care, coaching skills training, person centered practices, how to utilize less restrictive techniques for behavioral issues, and have a minimum of two years prior experience providing services to adolescents with developmental disabilities. Possession and maintenance of sufficient endurance to perform during emergency situations, or during physically, mentally, or emotionally stressful situations encountered on the job without endangering their own health and well-being or that of fellow employees, individuals, or the public.

    Ability to : Work with individuals with developmental disabilities (e.g., autistic spectrum disorder, intellectual disability), severe behavioral conditions (e.g., aggression, self-injurious behavior, property destruction, and elopement), and psychiatric conditions and symptoms (e.g., psychosis, mood disorders, PTSD, and suicidal ideation). Possess and maintain sufficient strength, agility, endurance, and sensory ability to perform the duties contained in this duty statement.

    Benefits
    As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits.

    Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment. Additional benefits may also be outlined for specific bargaining units in employee collective bargaining contracts. For more information, please visit the links below:

    State Employees - CalHR Benefits Website

    CalPERS Health Benefit Summary 2026

    Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

    Contact Information
    The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
    Department Website: http://www.dds.ca.gov
    Human Resources Contact:
    Aira Dandoy
    (916) 345-0217
    [email protected]

    Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
    EEO Contact:
    Equal Employment Opportunity Office
    (916) 654-1888
    [email protected]
    California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    The next cut-off dates for this job posting are:

    08/07/2026

    08/21/2026

    09/24/2026

    Electronic application submission is highly encouraged.

    Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list.

    Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate may be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the California Department of Human Resources.

    If you have not taken the Clinical Social Worker exam/assessment you may find the exam for this classification at the link below. You must take and pass the exam/assessment to obtain eligibility for hire. Click here to gain list eligibility.

    CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

    Do NOT include ANY confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts.

    Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Sec

    About State of California

    The State of California is a government entity responsible for providing a variety of services to its residents, including education, healthcare, and public safety. The state was admitted to the Union in 1850 and has since grown to become the most populous state in the United States. California is known for its diverse geography, including beaches, mountains, and deserts. The state government is committed to promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for all Californians.
    Learn more about State of California
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