Supervising Social Worker I/II

Salary: $2,864.80 - $4,032.80 BiweeklyLocation : MercedJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: MSS05833Department: Merced County Human Services AgencyOpening Date: 03/09/2026Closing Date: Continuous Position InformationSOCIAL WORKER SUPERVISOR I CLASS DEFINITION Under general direction, the Social Worker Supervisor I plans, organizes and supervises social service and employment staff engaged in providing information and referral services, adult protective services, in-home supportive services, home placement services, child protective services, emergency response services and/or employment services; performs other related work as assigned.Social Worker Supervisor I is the first supervisory level in the series. Social Worker Supervisor I differs from the next lower classification of Social Worker IV in that the former is the first line supervisor. Social Worker Supervisor I differs from Social Worker Supervisor II in that the latter is at the second supervisory level and requires a Master's degree.SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVEDIncumbents in the Social Worker Supervisor I classification generally receive direction from a Program Manager or other management level classification. A Social Worker Supervisor I, supervises a variety of Social Workers, clerical and technical staff, but does not supervise employees in positions that require a master's degree pursuant to California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Manual of Policy and Procedures (MPP) Division 31 regulations (31.070).SOCIAL WORKER SUPERVISOR II CLASS DEFINITION Under general direction, the Social Worker Supervisor II plans, organizes, and directs the work of social service staff providing the most advanced social services; and performs other related work as assigned.Social Worker Supervisor II requires a Master's degree. Incumbents supervise a unit of caseworkers in specific programs identified as having a high proportion of complex and sensitive casework needs and are usually assigned to programs or staff positions that require extensive casework knowledge. Some positions in larger departments may be assigned full time in-service training and staff development duties.Social Worker Supervisor II differs from Social Worker Supervisor I in that the former, requires a Master's degree, and is responsible for supervising and training Social Worker IVs. Social Worker Supervisor II is distinguished from Program Manager in that the latter is generally responsible for administering a program rather than supervising a unit.SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVEDSocial Worker Supervisor II receives direction from a Program Manager or other management level classification. Social Worker Supervisor II incumbents provide direct supervision to lower level Social Workers including Social Worker IVs. Examples of DutiesESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSOperate a personal computer and other modern office equipment, including repetitive hand and arm motions.Frequent use of hand-eye coordinationFrequently sit for extended periodsOccasionally operate a motor vehicleCommunicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.Analyze data, interpret policies, procedures and regulations, develop appropriate conclusions, and prepare reports.Meet deadlines under stressful conditions.Resolve conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.Complete multiple priority projects with conflicting deadlines.Establish, implement and achieve goals and objectives.Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations; performs all duties in conformance with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.Represent the County with the community and other agencies.Make presentations.Train, evaluate and supervise staff.Regular attendance is an essential function.SOCIAL WORKER SUPERVISOR I: Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:Plans, assigns, supervises, coaches, mentors, and reviews the work of employees engaged in the delivery of employment and social services; consults with and guides social workers in providing counseling, support and guidance to clients with complex or specialized needs; may be required to work or supervise on-callReviews and approves forms, applications, court reports, placements, reports of abuse and other documents to verify information or determine proper course of action; reassesses and modifies case plansReviews and approves reports of abuse; suggests or approves placements; may provide information to law enforcement or district attorneys; may testify in court; supports witnesses and victims who must testify in courtDocuments and addresses clients' concerns and complaintsSelects, trains, evaluates, and disciplines subordinate staffDiscusses or interprets regulations, rules, policies and programs to clients, applicants, staff and the general publicAssists and participates in the development of in-service staff development programsFacilitates communication between staff and management; communicates department expectations and activities, policy changes, and regulatory changes; evaluates and recommends service delivery improvementsAuthorizes the provision of social and employment services through the department, provides services, and makes referrals to other agency staff and community agenciesProvides social services for sensitive or confidential cases, in the absence of assigned social workers or to meet workload demandsParticipates or intercedes in interviews to defuse hostile or angry clients; obtains information on personal issues in difficult or emotional situations; explains decisions or recommendations to clients and family membersEstablishes and maintains effective working relationships and trust with staff, clients, family members, community organizations and the public; collaborates with service providers; facilitates a work environment favoring teamwork, collaboration and mutual respectProvides peer support for coworkers facing case related stressDevelops and prepares court reports, case plans, case narratives and safety plans in automated computer systemsEnters and retrieves data and narratives from automated computer systemsMaintains written chronological narrative reflecting personal or other contacts with the client and reasons for the social worker's actions; prepares and maintains case records and databases; communicates decisions, timelines, recommendations and case plans to clients, families and service providersEnters and retrieves information from an automated computer system; researches information using the Internet and computer resourcesReceives, approves and prepares correspondence and reportsEnsures all services are delivered in a respectful, culturally sensitive and appropriate manner andMaintains confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations; performs all duties in conformance with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of EthicsIn small agencies, may be responsible for social workers involved in the provision of the full range of social services including advanced servicesPerforms related duties as assignedEMPLOYMENT STANDARDSKnowledge of:Principles and practices of supervision, training, mentoring, motivating, casework consultation, and peer counselingPrinciples and practices of organization, workload management, and time managementPrinciples and practices of note taking, report writing, and English composition, grammar, punctuation, and spellingFunctions of public social services agencies and the principles of public social service administrationCasework concepts, techniques of interviewing, and record keeping in social caseworkLaws, rules, and regulations governing the operation of public social services agencies and the role and responsibilities of a social workerMedical, legal, economic, and social management needs of individuals and families with special medical needs such as HIV disease, drug dependency, the medically fragile child, Alzheimer's, and the terminally illStrategies and protocols surrounding crisis intervention techniques such as voice modulation and assessing the potential for suicidePsychopathology, the different types of mental illness diagnoses, how mental illness affects human behavior and mental health services and treatments utilized by clientsSigns, stages, and dynamics of abuse, and the effects of abuse on child/adult development and behaviorSigns and symptoms of alcohol and drug use/abuse in adults and children and the effects on familiesStandards for maintaining clients safely in the home; options for placement; effects of removing clients from unsafe situationsPrinciples and methodologies of research, analysis, problem solving, and decision making.Computers, software, and Internet researchResources available in the community for referral or utilization in employment or social service programsPrinciples, methods, and resources in the field of public health, mental health, education, corrections and rehabilitation as they relate to public social servicesAbility to:Exercise sound judgment when organizing, directing, and prioritizing unit activities.Select, train, coach, supervise, evaluate, and discipline subordinate staffMentor, counsel, and collaborate with staff and foster an environment of teamwork, mutual respect and professionalismApply effective interpersonal and interviewing skillsDevelop and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, clients, and outside organizationsPresent oral and written reports concisely and clearlyAnalyze a situation accurately and adopt an effective course of actionMaintain confidentiality in accordance with legal standards and/or county regulationsRecognize signs of abuse for children, the elderly and dependent adults; assess risk factors and potential dangers to clientsAct effectively in stressful situationsInteract professionally and respectfully with clients including difficult, hostile, or distressed clientsRespect cultural differencesUse computers and related softwareSOCIAL WORKER SUPERVISOR II:Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:Plans, assigns, directs, mentors, coaches and reviews the work of employees providing the most advanced or complex casework such as adoptions and protective services; maybe required to work or supervise on-callConsults with and guides social workers in providing counseling, support, and guidance to clients with complex or specialized needsReviews and approves forms, applications, court reports, placements, reports of abuse, and other documents to verify information or determine proper course of action; reassesses and modifies case plansMay testify in court; supports witnesses and victims who must testify in courtSelects, trains, evaluates, and disciplines subordinate staffDocuments and addresses clients' concerns and complaintsAssists in the development of community resources for all programsAssists and participates in the development of in-service training and staff development programsEvaluates the effectiveness of policies and proceduresRepresents the social services department at conferences and addresses community groupsDiscusses or interprets regulations, rules, policies, and programs to clients, applicants, staff and the general publicFacilitates communication between staff and management; communicates department expectations and activities, policy changes, and regulatory changes; evaluates and recommends service delivery improvementsProvides social services for sensitive or confidential cases, in the absence of assigned social workers or to meet workload demandsParticipates or intercedes in interviews to defuse hostile or angry clients; obtains information on personal issues in difficult or emotional situations; explains decisions or recommendations to clients and family membersEstablishes and maintains effective working relationships and trust with staff, clients, family members, community organizations and the public; collaborates with service providers; facilitates a work environment favoring teamwork, collaboration and mutual respectProvides peer support for coworkers facing case related stressMaintains written chronological narrative reflecting personal or other contacts with the client and reasons for the social worker's actions; prepares and maintains case records and databases; communicates decisions, timelines, recommendations and case plans to clients, families and service providersMay direct research studies and prepare reportsEnters and retrieves information from an automated computer system; researches information using the Internet and computer resources.Develops and prepares court reports, case plans, case narratives and safety plans in automated computer systemsAuthorizes the provision of social and employment services through the department, provides services, and makes referrals to other agency staff and community agencies.Receives, approves and prepares correspondence and reportsEnsures all services are delivered in a respectful, culturally sensitive and appropriate manner andMaintains confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations; performs all duties in conformance with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of EthicsPerforms related duties as assignedEMPLOYMENT STANDARDSKnowledge of:Principles and practices of supervision, training, mentoring, motivating, casework consultation, and peer counselingPrinciples and practices of organization, workload management and time managementPrinciples and practices of note taking, report writing, and English composition, grammar, punctuation, and spellingFunctions of public social services agencies and the principles of public social service administrationSocial research methodsLaws, rules, and regulations governing the operation of public social services agencies and the role and responsibilities of a social workerMedical, legal, economic, and social management needs of individuals and families with special medical needs such as HIV disease, drug dependency, the medically fragile child, Alzheimer's, and the terminally illStrategies and protocols surrounding crisis intervention techniques such as voice modulation and assessing the potential for suicidePsychopathology, the different types of mental illness diagnoses, how mental illness affects human behavior and mental health services and treatments utilized by clientsSigns, stages and dynamics of abuse, and the effects of abuse on child/adult development and behaviorSigns and symptoms of alcohol and drug use/abuse in adults and children and the effects on familiesStandards for maintaining clients safely in the home; options for placement; effects of removing clients from unsafe situationsPrinciples and methodologies of research, analysis, problem solving, and decision makingPrinciples, methods, and resources in the field of public health, mental hygiene, education, correction and rehabilitation as they relate to public social serviceTechniques of supervision, training, and casework consultationComputers, software and Internet researchPrinciples of community organizationResources available in the community for referral or utilization in employment or social service programsAbility to:Exercise sound judgment when organizing, directing, and prioritizing unit activitiesSelect, train, coach, supervise, evaluate, and discipline subordinate staffMentor, counsel, and collaborate with staff and foster an environment of teamwork, mutual respect and professionalismClassify case problems and evaluate the effectiveness of effort in solving problems.Apply effective interpersonal and interviewing skillsDevelop and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, clients, and outside organizationsMake oral and written presentations clearly and conciselyAnalyze a situation accurately and adopt an effective course of actionMaintain confidentiality in accordance with legal standards and/or county regulationsRecognize signs of abuse for children, elderly and dependent adults; assess risk factors and potential dangers to clientsAct effectively in stressful situationsInteract professionally and respectfully with clients including difficult, hostile, or distressed clientsRespect cultural differencesUse computers and related software packages Minimum QualificationsSOCIAL WORKER SUPERVISOR I: Pattern 1:Three (3) years of full-time experience performing journey level social work case management duties* in a Social Worker II classification in an Interagency Merit System (IMS) county;(Substitution: One year of graduate work in social work or counseling may substitute for one year of the required experience.)ORPattern 2:One (1) year of full-time experience performing advanced journey level social work case management duties in a Social Worker III classification in an Interagency Merit System (IMS) county.ORPattern 3:Four (4) years of full-time experience performing social work case management duties.*Qualifying social work case management includes direct case work management, such as: assessment, evaluation; conducting investigations of abuse and neglect; preparing court reports; responsibility for a long term caseload, monitoring compliance through home calls and other personal contact; collaboration with other agencies and linking clients to resources and programs; development of a case plan, modification of case plans as needed/required; and authority to impose sanctions or implement actions that impact services.SOCIAL WORKER SUPERVISOR II:(According to Division 31, Chapter 31-070- Child Welfare Services Manual, counties that do not meet the staffing requirements for emergency response and family maintenance services may contact CDDSS regarding a possible waiver).Pattern 1: Two (2) years of full-time experience performing duties of the Social Worker III in an Interagency Merit System (IMS) county; AND A master's degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university or a master's degree from an accredited two (2) year counseling program.*ORPattern 2: One (1) year of full-time experience performing duties of the Social Worker IV classification in an Interagency Merit System (IMS) county; AND A master's degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university or a master's degree from an accredited two (2) year counseling program.*ORPattern 3: Four (4) years of full-time experience performing social work case management duties;** AND A master's degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university or a Master's degree from an accredited two (2) year counseling program.**Qualifying master's degrees include: Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Addiction Counseling, Gerontology and Counseling Psychology. Completion of all of the requirements for a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) license program may be substituted upon submission of verifying proof.**Qualifying social work case management includes direct case work management, such as: assessment, evaluation; conducting investigations of abuse and neglect; preparing court reports; responsibility for a long term caseload, monitoring compliance through home calls and other personal contact; collaboration with other agencies and linking clients to resources and programs; development of a case plan, modification of case plans as needed/required; and authority to impose sanctions or implement actions that impact services. Supplemental Information TRAINING & EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION - WEIGHTED 100%The Training & Experience Examination is designed to elicit a range of specific information regarding each candidate's knowledge, skill, abilities, and potential to effectively perform the duties relative to the classification. Responses to the questionnaire will be assessed based on pre-determined rating criteria. All applicants must complete the entire examination to receive a score. In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination. If conditions warrant, an Experience and Education Examination may be conducted in lieu of the Training and Experience Examination. Please review the Education and Experience examination information below:EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EXAMINATIONThe Education & Experience examination is based solely upon information provided from the application and supplemental information (e.g., resumes, transcripts). Information provided from the application and supplemental information will be assessed compared to a standard developed in relation to the elements of the job. Special care should be taken to submitting a complete description of your education and experience relevant to the typical tasks, scope, and minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin. Supplemental information will be accepted, but competitors should read this bulletin carefully to determine what kind of information will be useful to those individuals completing the evaluation. In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination. Examination administration and processing time is approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job bulletin.Examination administration and processing time is approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job bulletin. ELIGIBLE LIST INFORMATIONA departmental open eligible list will be established for the county of Merced. The list will be utilized for 12 months after it is established unless the needs of the service and conditions of the list warrant a change in this period. RETEST PERIODOnce you have taken the examination, you may not retest for SIX (6) MONTHS from the established eligibility date. SPECIAL TESTING ARRANGEMENTSSpecial testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. If you require such arrangements, please contact CalHR at or 916-909-3701 upon notification that your application has been approved. Documentation from medical, military, school or church officials outlining the accommodation request must be received by our office a minimum of five business days prior to a scheduled examination. EDUCATION DOCUMENTSIf you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must attach your transcripts to your application. Applicants with foreign transcripts must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which the foreign course work is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers. GENERAL INFORMATIONThis position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment. MSS reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the recruitment if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all competitors will be notified.If you meet the requirements stated on this bulletin, you may take this examination. Your performance in this examination will be rated against predetermined rating criteria. All competitors who pass will be added to the eligible list. Meeting the entry requirements does not assure success in the examination or placement on the eligible list. General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgement, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. As part of the hiring process, a background investigation may be required. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYThe Merit System Services program is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENTSome positions in this classification may require possession of a California driver's license. Employees who drive on County business to carry out job-related duties must possess a valid California driver's license for the class of vehicle driven and meet automobile insurability requirements of the County. Eligibility for employment for those who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on case-by-case basis by the appointing authority. ABOUT MERCED COUNTYMerced County is located in the northern part of the San Joaquin Valley in central California, an area earning worldwide acclaim for its rich agriculture, and spans from the coastal ranges to the foothills of Yosemite National Park. The City of Merced, the self-proclaimed Gateway to Yosemite, has a population of approximately 81,102, yet retains the charm of a small town with amenities routinely found in larger communities. Merced's revitalized downtown is emerging as the entertainment center of the area. The County is representative of the rural heartland and Gold Rush remnants underpinning the state's heritage. It is a peaceful, quiet, and friendly area with an abundance of beautiful bike paths and offers choices of higher education in UC Merced and Merced College.Merit System Services does not negotiate or determine the benefits or salaries for positions offered by its partners. For more information about benefits or salaries, please visit the listed county or child support office's website or contact their human resources department.

Created: 2026-04-02