Salary : $121,232.80 - $146,810.56 Annually
Location : San Jose Metropolitan Area, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-Y23-C
Department: Social Services Agency - DFCS
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: 9/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 21

Description
Under general direction, to supervise assign, review and participate in the work of subordinate case-carrying social services staff; to review staff recommendations for social work services; to consult on difficult case problems and administrative processes.
The current vacancy is within the Department of Family and Children's Services; however, this list will be used to fill other department vacancies as they occur.
Typical Tasks

• Supervises, trains, coaches, mentors, evaluates and disciplinessubordinate staff;
  
• Trains, guides and assists subordinate staff to develop and improve casework skills;
  
• Selects and assigns cases on the basis of socio-economic, mental, emotional and/or environmental problems involved as required;
  
• Gives case consultation to staff;
  
• Analyzes methods and techniques used and recommends course of action;
  
• Follows up on diagnosis and treatment plans;
  
• Reviews determinations of eligibility for services for conformance with applicable rules and caseload information;
  
• Interviews complainants and makes the recommended adjustments;
  
• Assists in the development of community resources and services for all programs;
  
• Addresses groups interested in public welfare and related services;
  
• Participates in the operation of an in-service training program for employees;
  
• Evaluates performance of personnel and takes or recommends appropriate actions;
  
• Conducts staff meetings and individual conferences;
  
• Conducts or prepares research studies;
  
• Prepares correspondence and reports;
  
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
  
• Performs related duties as required.

Employment Standards

Possession of a Master's Degree in Social Work or possession of a Master's Degree in Behavioral Science, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Psychology, Social Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation or equivalent titles to the above degree from an accredited college.

AND

Three (3) years of social work experience equivalent to a Social Worker III in Santa Clara County.

Possession of a Master's Degree in Social Work or Social Welfare is preferred in all positions and is mandatory for specific programs.

Possession of a valid California Driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver's permit.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, objectives, methods and techniques of social work;
  
• Principles, of supervision;
  
• Individual and group behavior, human growth, development and family relationships;
  
• Bio-psycho-socioeconomic factors affecting individuals and families;
  
• Community organizations and resources;
  
• Principles and techniques of interviewing and recording in social casework;
  
• Rules and regulations relating to public social services agencies and protective services for adults and children;
  
• Computer Applications such as word processing, spreadsheet and/or database; and,
  
• Functions of public assistance agencies.

Ability to:

• Plan, assign, evaluate, supervise and monitor the work of others;
  
• Coach and mentor staff;
  
• Interpret laws and regulations of the California Welfare & Institutions Code and other applicable codes to clients and the public;
  
• Provide consultation to others;
  
• Present oral and written reports concisely and clearly;
  
• Communicate effectively, respectfully and sensitively with individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds; and,
  
• Work cooperatively with staff and members of the community.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment
d) Total hours worked per week
e) Description of task(s) performedDo you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?

• Yes
• No

02

What is your Santa Clara County Employee ID number? If you do not have a Santa Clara County Employee ID number, type n/a.
03

Describe your experience as or equivalent to a Social Worker III. Please include any experience completing biopsychosocial assessments. Include name of employer, job title, and number of hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of knowledge and/or experience state, "None".
04

Select the amount of experience you possess in supervising or leading staff that includes mentoring, coaching and evaluating their work and training.

• None
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five or more years

05

Describe your experience with supervising or leading staff that includes; mentoring, coaching and evaluating their work and training. Include name of employer, the department or program you worked in, dates of employment, job title, and number of hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of knowledge and/or experience state, "None".
06

Indicate any areas you have completed training in? Please check all that apply.

• Leadership
• Supervision
• Management
• De-escalation

07

Describe any training you have completed pertaining to leadership, supervision, and/or management. Include the title of the training, dates and training provider. If you do not possess this type of training state, "None".
08

Do you have de-escalation training or experience?

• Yes
• No

09

Describe your de-escalation training or experience.Include name of employer, job title, and number of hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of knowledge and/or experience state, "None".
10

Describe your experience in addressing mental health issues with children, youth, and families. Include name of employer, job title, and number of hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of knowledge and/or experience state, "None".
11

Describe your experience related to working with children, youth and families at risk of abuse and neglect or who have experienced trauma. Include name of employer, job title, and number of hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of knowledge and/or experience state, "None".
12

Describe your experience in addressing health and mental health issues with older adults and dependent adults. Include name of employer, job title, and number of hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of knowledge and/or experience state, "None".
13

Describe your experience in addressing cognitive issues in older adults and dependent adults. Include name of employer, job title, and number of hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of knowledge and/or experience state, "None".
14

Describe your knowledge of resources available to older adults and dependent adults pertaining to the challenges these populations may be facing regarding resources and services. If you do not possess this type of knowledge and/or experience state, "None"
15

Describe your experience with Multi-disciplinary Teams, Inter-disciplinary Teams and/or working in partnership with community services or agencies. Include name of employer, job title, and number of hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of knowledge and/or experience state, "None"
16

Adult Protective Services is state mandated to receive and respond to reports of suspected older adult and dependent adult abuse on a 24/7 basis. Describe your experience providing after-hours services or if you having experience providing supervision. Include name of employer, job title, and number of hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of knowledge and/or experience state, "None".
17

Do you have experience working in a congregate care setting?

• Yes
• No

18

Describe your experience working in a congregate care setting. Include name of employer, job title, and number of hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of knowledge and/or experience state, "None".
19

Do you have experience working with foster youth who are difficult to place?

• Yes
• No

20

Describe your experience experience working with foster youth who are difficult to place. Include name of employer, job title, and number of hours worked per week. If you do not possess this type of knowledge and/or experience state, "None".
21

Select the Santa Clara County regions you are interested in working at? Check all that apply.

• Northern Santa Clara County (Mt. View, Palo Alto)
• San Jose Metropolitan Area
• Southern Santa Clara County (Gilroy)

22

How did you find out about this job?

• Contacted by County Recruiter
• Contacted by a Recruitment Firm
• County Employee Referral
• County of Santa Clara Career Website
• County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Virtual Job Fair
• In Person Job Fair
• In-Person Networking Professional Event
• Virtual Networking Event
• Community Event
• Glassdoor
• Governmentjobs.com
• Professional Association
• Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
• Hospital Website: SCVMC, O'Connor Hospital, St. Louise Regional Hospital Website
• Handshake
• Student Career Center
• County Text Message
• Other (Specify in the next question)

23

If you selected an event/fair or other in the question above, please specify. If not, type n/a.
24

Do you possess e