HS Child Welfare Supervisor

Description

Be part of the strength of human relationships and community partnerships by becoming a Child Welfare Supervisor for Ventura County. As a Child Welfare Supervisor, you will play a crucial role in supervising and guiding staff in the protection of children by strengthening families. Come work with a dynamic and diverse agency that recognizes your individuality and celebrates the professional in you.
WHAT WE OFFER
The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes:

• Merit Increases - New employees are eligible for an initial 5% merit increase within the pay range upon completion of at least 1,040 hours (approximately 6 months) assuming work meets satisfactory standards. Subsequent merit increases within the pay range will be upon completion of each additional 2,080 hours (approximately one year) from the initial merit increase.
• Educational Incentive - An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate's degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate's degree.
• Bilingual Incentive - Proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I), $1.00 per hour (Level II), or $1.32 per hour (Level III).
• Flexible Workweek/Telework Schedule - We support work life balance by offering compressed work (e.g., 9/80 workweek) and remote hybrid telework schedules for most positions subject to organizational needs and satisfactory performance.
• Annual Leave Accrual - New regular, full-time employees in this classification will earn 208 hours per year, increasing to 288 hours after 5 years of service.
• Annual Leave Redemption - An employee may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 100 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.
• Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3.00% match on your 401(k) contributions.
• Health Plans-Full time employees are given a flexible credit allowance of up to $23,530 annually to offset the purchase of medical, dental, and/or vision insurance for you and your dependents.
  • Employee only - $502 per biweekly pay period
  • Employee plus one dependent - $730 per biweekly pay period
  • Employee plus family - $905 per biweekly pay period
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Choice of participation in the Flexible Spending Accounts which increase spending power through reimbursement of pre-tax dollars for IRS approved dependent care and health care expenses.
• Pension Plan - Both the County and employees contribute to the County's Retirement Plan and to Social Security. If eligible, reciprocity may be established with other public retirement systems, such as PERS.
• Holidays - 12 paid days per year which, includes a scheduled floating holiday.
• Additional Benefits - Tuition Reimbursement, Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Wellness Program.

OUR COUNTY AND COMMUNITY Ventura County is located on California’s “Gold Coast,” approximately 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 20 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. Residents enjoy rolling hills and sweeping ocean views in a nearly perfect Mediterranean climate. The beauty and weather combined with a wonderful quality of life are among the many reasons our residents choose to call Ventura County “home.”

Ventura County is a “general law” county, governed by a five-member, elected-by-district Board of Supervisors. The Supervisors appoint a County Executive Officer (CEO) to oversee the County budget, day-to-day operations, and to advise, assist, and act as an agent for the Board of Supervisors in all matters under the Board’s jurisdiction. It focuses on providing excellent services to its residents by promoting engagement, strategy, execution and accountability to include diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to ensure that all employees are treated with respect and without discrimination, and to improve culturally appropriate outcomes for community members.

THE AGENCY

To learn about the Human Services Agency (HSA), click “ Who We Are ” to view a short video about our multiple departments.

HSA is comprised of nearly 1400 staff members who serve approximately a third of Ventura County residents, all of whom have unique experiences and perspectives. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and assist communities by bringing these values into the workforce.

As part of the Human Services Agency, the Children and Family Services Department believes that families can keep their children safe with support, that children should be cared for in a familiar, nurturing, and safe environment, and that all children deserve the right to grow up with a sense of belonging in a permanent, unconditionally committed, lifelong family.

THE POSITION

Under general direction, Child Welfare Supervisors supervise a unit of Child Welfare Social Workers and support/paraprofessional staff who perform specialized social casework activities concerned with physically, sexually, and emotionally abused, neglected, and exploited children. These activities include, but are not limited to, responding to reports of suspected abuse or neglect, investigation, case management, placement, and supervision of children and families in the Child Welfare System.

Child Welfare Supervisors engage and team with their unit, providing quality supervision to enhance performance and provide career development opportunities. Child Welfare Supervisors will utilize the same principles of promoting well-being with their staff as social workers do with the families with whom they are working.

Child Welfare Supervisor is the first direct supervisory level in the Child Welfare Social Worker series. They are expected to function at a higher level of initiative, creativity, self-direction, and independent judgment than those in the lower levels of the series while ensuring that work is performed in accordance with accepted methods, in compliance with applicable laws, rules, and policies, and within the tenets of the mission of the department and agency. Child Welfare Supervisor differs from the next higher level of HS Program Manager in that the latter is responsible for a major program area comprising a number of units.

Ideal candidates will possess the following competencies:

• Adaptability & Flexibility - Responding positively to change and fluidly modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Business/Technical Expertise - Skillfully applying specialized job-related knowledge.
• Communication - Respectfully delivering pertinent, truthful, and timely information and comprehending information delivered by others
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Analyzing and evaluating information, problems, and options with logic and good judgment.
• Customer Service - Ensuring consistent, responsive, and superior delivery of services to internal and external stakeholders
• Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging - Embracing the County’s commitment to valuing individuals’ varied backgrounds, promoting equal access and opportunity for all, and empowering others in their unique strengths.
• Information Gathering - Proactively obtaining facts and data needed to effectively answer questions, solve problems, or complete projects.
• Leadership - Establishing shared goals, values, and principles and strategically guiding others
• Managerial Courage - Addressing uncomfortable or interpersonally charged situations with bravery, poise, and tact in a timely, measured, and diplomatic manner.
• Performance Management - Improving employee effectiveness with honest and constructive feedback and dialogue
• Professional Integrity & Ethics - Demonstrating high standards of conduct and consistently adhering to sound moral principles.
• Team Orientation - Embracing a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to cooperating with others to achieve shared goals.
• Relationship Building - Developing and maintaining stable, mutually beneficial networks of cooperation among clients, coworkers, vendors, and other organizations.

We are seeking applicants who possess a master’s degree in Social Work or a closely related field; thorough knowledge of a wide variety of public California child welfare programs and case management social work; considerable current experience serving in a lead or supervisory role as a child welfare social worker in a California county child protective services agency at a level equivalent to Child Welfare Social Worker III or IV with the County of Ventura, Human Services Agency. In addition, strong leadership, time management skills, the proven ability to develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships while creating a culture of cohesion and inspiring staff toward success and best practices is highly desired. Further, we are searching for applicants who possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; a positive outlook which embraces technology in an ever-changing environment; and a good understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion concepts as applied to staff, clients, families, and community partners. The supervisor will have had experience working with people of various socio-cultural, sexual orientations, gender identifications, races, and countries of origin and have a good understanding of any personal bias they may have so they can perform their duties with integrity and professionalism.

HS Child Welfare Supervisor is a management classification and is eligible for overtime compensation.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Supervises, coaches, mentors, counsels, trains, evaluates and if necessary, works toward corrective action to ensure the best customer service for families in the child welfare system as well as working to assist the employee with their own growth and/or addressing concerns as an employee; also ensures staff are in compliance with federal, state and local laws and departmental policies.
• Oversees the investigation and evaluation of cases of abused, neglected, and exploited children; assesses and determines if children can safely remain in their homes or need to be placed in protective custody; reviews petitions, reports, and recommendations for use by the department and the court in making dispositions of juvenile cases.
• Ensures that staff utilizes accepted casework methods that incorporate techniques such as engagement with families, honoring culture and diversity of families and bringing the family’s perspective and voice to the table. These techniques are utilized while providing case management services to children and their families and assisting families working toward reunification as well as maintaining safety in the home.
• Ensures collaboration and teaming with families’ network of support, such as parents, caregivers, relatives, youth, teachers, physicians, mental health professionals, representatives of other county, private, and non-profit agencies, faith-based organizations, law enforcement agencies, and probation officers for the purpose of joint planning and staffing of service needs, development of service/case plans, evaluation, and monitoring of cases; attends and may facilitate team meetings.
• Ensures all efforts were made to keep children and siblings within their homes, placed with relatives, or best match out-of-home placement; oversees implementation of a concurrent plan, such as guardianship and adoption, to ensure quality permanency and/or permanent connections.
• Participates in the development and implementation of agency policies, procedures, and other operational decisions.
• Represents the agency on matters relating to assigned programs and collaborates with community partners and stakeholders.
• Oversees the Child/Elder Abuse Reporting Hotline; assesses and determines appropriate response needed by using available tools; evaluates referrals received to determine the appropriate level of intervention and staff assignment; provides case consultation and training to staff; may intervene in crisis or emergency situations which may occur after hours and on weekends.
• Provides development opportunities to staff through support, training, and other on-the-job experiences.
• Prepares reports specific to assigned program(s) as well as providing the data sources that support the reported information.
• May be required to appear in court to provide testimony and support agency recommendations.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the exam process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE
Considerable experience in social work which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills and abilities. The required knowledge, skills, and abilities can best be demonstrated by:

At least eighteen (18) months of current experience as a Child Welfare Social Worker III or IV with the County of Ventura Human Services Agency; OR possession of a master's degree in Social Work (MSW), Human Services, Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), or a closely related field AND at least five (5) years of experience as a case management social worker in a public child protective services agency.

Substitution: Additional experience as a case management social worker in a public child protective services agency can substitute for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess, or have the ability to obtain, and maintain a valid California driver license.
• Child Welfare Supervisors are required to furnish their own vehicles for use on the job and are reimbursed for mileage.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Written communication skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire and will be evaluated during the probationary period.

WORKING CONDITIONS :Depending on assignment, duties may require considerable home visits, court appearances, and travel, both locally and out of county. In the course of performing their duties, Child Welfare Supervisors may encounter intense reactions from families and others and exposure to unsanitary conditions. Child Welfare Supervisors may need to reach above and below their shoulders and lift and carry up to 25 pounds with or without assistance. Child Welfare Supervisors are required to perform after hours standby services as needed. Work locations, work schedules, and work units will vary, and may change as needed according to business needs and at the discretion of management. Worksite reassignments may occur due to changes in facilities or other operational requirements within the business.

COUNTY EMPLOYEES AS DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
When a disaster strikes of natural or man-made origin, Ventura County employees may be called upon to provide service to the community by assisting in emergency response efforts. This may require employees to work in other locations, different hours, and out of class. At the time of hire, all County employees will be required to sign an Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance for Disaster Service Workers and Public Employees (Sections 3102 and 3103, Government Code of California).

DESIRED

• Master's degree in Social Work or a closely related field
• Two (2) or more years of current experience as a Child Welfare Social Worker III or IV with Ventura County, Human Services Agency or as a Child Welfare Supervisor in another California County
• Experience in multiple program areas which may include the following:
  • Emergency Response
  • Ongoing Case Management
  • Court Unit
  • Permanency
  • Youth Services
  • Hotline
  • Family Treatment Court
  • School-Based Social Work
  • Resource Family Approval
  • Child & Family Team Meeting Facilitator

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: Applications must be received by County of Ventura, Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2024.

To apply online, please refer to our web site at www.ventura.org/jobs . If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

Information for Transfer Candidates: NOTE : If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here for additional information.

Note: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam AT THE TIME OF FILING. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the recruitment and hiring process to assist in determining qualifications for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in removal of the application from further consideration.

APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the examination process.

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION: If there is a high number of qualified applicants,
a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) may be conducted. A (T&E) is a structured evaluation of the job application materials submitted by a candidate, including the written responses to the supplemental questionnaire. The T&E NOT a determination of whether the candidate meets the stated requirements; rather, the T&E is one method for determining who are the better qualified among those who have shown that they meet the state requirements. In a T&E, applications are evaluated according to the criteria that most closely meets the business needs of the department. Candidates are typically evaluated in relation to one another, consequently, when the pool of candidate is exceptionally strong, many qualified candidates may not advance in the process.

NOTE: The selection process will likely consist of an Oral Exam, which may be preceded or replaced with the score from a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), contingent upon the size and quality of the candidate pool. In a typical T&E, your training and experience are evaluated in relation to the background, experience and factors identified for successful job performance during a job analysis. For this reason, it is recommended that your application materials clearly show your relevant background and specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is also highly recommended that the supplemental questions within the application are completed with care and diligence. Responses such as "See Resume" or "Refer to Resume" are not acceptable and may disqualify an applicant from further evaluation.

ORAL EXAMINATION - 100%
A job-related oral examination will be conducted to evaluate and compare participating examinees' knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to those factors which job analysis has determined to be essential for successful performance of the job. Examinees must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

NOTE: If there are three (3) or fewer qualified applicants, an examination may not be conducted. Instead, a score of seventy percent (70%) will be assigned to each application, and each applicant will be placed on the eligible list.

ELIGIBLE LIST
Applicants successfully completing the exam process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future Regular (including Temporary and Fixed-term), Intermittent and Extra Help vacancies within the Human Services Agency.
SELECTION INTERVIEW: When a position becomes available, applicants are referred to the employing department for interviews beginning with the highest scoring applicants, moving down the list from the top until the available positions are filled.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record is required for this position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to 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.

It is an objective of the County of Ventura to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for county employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

CONTACT INFORMATION
For further information about this recruitment, please contact Jennifer Rayner by email at jennifer.rayner@ventura.org .

YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE

MANAGEMENT

To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.

• Benefits website or you may call (805) 654-2570.
• Retirement FAQ's
• Memorandum of Agreement

Union Codes: MB3, MB4, MS, MT, MCC, MU

Closing Date/Time: 7/1/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• County of Ventura

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