CHILDREN'S SOCIAL WORKER TRAINEE- STIPEND PROGRAM/DCFS INTERNS ONLY

Position/Program Information

FILING PERIOD
We will be accepting online applications from Thursday, March 5, 2026, 8:00 a.m. (PT) until Monday, April 6, 2026, until 5:00 p.m. (PT). All Applications must be received before 5:00 p.m. (PT) on Monday, April 6, 2026 to be accepted.

EXAM NUMBER
T9070P

TYPE OF RECRUITEMENT:
We welcome applications from everyone!

Why work for us?

The County of Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is the largest child welfare agency in the United States. Established in 1984, our child welfare agency is designed to provide a wide range of protective and social services to needy residents of Los Angeles County. The Department’s primary focus is ensuring the safety of all its’ clients while focusing on the maintenance of family systems, the reunification of families who have children placed in foster care, and securing permanent homes for children who need this service through adoption planning.

Check Out Our Outstanding Benefits!

• Click here to see a list of employee benefits!

Essential Job Functions

• Conducts investigations of referrals alleging child abuse, neglect, and exploitation by performing in-person interviews with children and involved parties; observing children’s safety, well-being, and living conditions; and completing home inspections and caregiver assessments. Gathers and analyzes information from collateral contacts, multidisciplinary partners, hardcopy records, and County/state databases (e.g., CWS/CMS, SDM, CLETS, DOJ). Monitors visitation, documents findings, transports clients as needed, and collects photographic evidence when appropriate. Determines and implements timely interventions-including safety planning, preventative services, or removal-consistent with Federal and California State laws, the Core Practice Model, and Los Angeles County DCFS policies to ensure child safety and family stability.
  
• Evaluates the validity of child abuse or neglect allegations in Los Angeles County by reviewing and analyzing information from multiple sources, including case histories, court reports, school records, medical/mental health documentation, observations of the child and home environment, and official records. Collaborates with clients, caregivers, law enforcement, medical professionals, and County supervisors to assess the child’s and family’s strengths and needs. Uses findings to determine appropriate interventions, which may include opening a case, emergency placement, arranging medical or psychological services, coordinating out-of-state/country transport, or other actions that protect the child’s best interests, all in accordance with California and federal laws, County policies, the Core Practice Model, and required timelines.
  
• Provides welfare and protective services to children and families in Los Angeles County by conducting monthly face-to-face visits at the client’s location. Collaborates with the Child and Family Team (CFT) and other professionals-including law enforcement, medical/mental health providers, school officials, supervisors, and community resources-to ensure the child’s safety and access to culturally appropriate services. All actions are performed in accordance with California and federal laws, the Core Practice Model, County policies, and within required timelines to support the best interests of the child and family.
  
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date client information by entering data into computerized systems such as CWS/CMS, reviewing client documents (e.g., identification, medical, psychological, school, and legal records), and following departmental policies and procedures. Ensures all data is complete and submitted within established response times to support timely case management and service delivery.
  
• Prepares and completes a variety of documents, including legal notices, court reports, referrals, memoranda, and mental health screenings, using computerized systems (e.g., CWS/CMS, SDM, Referral Portal) and standard forms. Ensures documentation accurately records information, communicates relevant details to parents, relatives, legal representatives, and service providers, and initiates appropriate actions such as resource family searches-all in compliance with Federal and California laws, the County’s Core Practice Model, departmental policies, and required response timelines.
  
• Maintains and safeguards confidential client information, including case forms, communications, court documents, logs, photographs, and protected data, by organizing both hardcopy files and electronic records using systems such as CWS/CMS, the SITE, tablets, and smartphones. Ensures all information is accurately documented and securely stored in compliance with Federal and California laws, departmental policies, and required procedures.
  
• Communicates critical information to children, families, caregivers, law enforcement, attorneys, and agency representatives in Los Angeles County regarding topics such as placement, relinquishment, adoption, legal rights, and court processes. Provides information clearly and patiently, both in-person and by phone, including written materials in the client’s primary language when needed. Uses active listening, motivational techniques, and conflict management to promote the child’s well-being, encourage engagement with supportive services, and ensure all parties understand processes and actions. All communication is conducted in accordance with California law, the Core Practice Model, County policies, and confidentiality requirements.
  
• Provides children and families with services from DCFS and other community resources, including assessments, adoption assistance, family preservation, prevention, substance abuse programs, mental health referrals, and independent living support. Identifies client needs and coordinates service delivery by scheduling appointments, providing information, or arranging transportation. Monitors compliance with case plans and court-ordered activities, addresses immediate and long-term needs (e.g., health, housing, education, employment), and reports or responds to suspected child abuse, all in accordance with California laws, the County’s Core Practice Model, and departmental policies.
  
• Resolves day-to-day issues and challenges affecting children and families, including placement difficulties, visitation scheduling and monitoring, case plan adjustments, and crisis management. Gathers and analyzes relevant information, temporarily cares for children when needed, and collaborates with courts, public and private agencies, law enforcement, schools, medical personnel, and community programs. Handles conflict, communicates effectively with all parties, and ensures timely and efficient delivery of client services in compliance with Federal and California laws, the County’s Core Practice Model, and departmental policies.
  
• Performs various court-related activities related to client services by examining case history and preparing court reports for hearings; filing petitions; obtaining/reviewing/following court orders; referencing the California Welfare &Institutions Code; preparing and serving warrants; obtaining information from attorneys and County Counsel; reviewing and requesting changes in court orders; coordinating transportation; transporting clients, including lifting children and car seats; providing notice to appropriate parties; completing and obtaining appropriate court-related paperwork (e.g., family law orders, medical reports, toxicology reports, pictures, historical documents, progress letters and certificates of completions of court-ordered programs, etc.); obtaining authorizations for various purposes; and testifying in court, etc. in order to ensure the protection of a child and the rights of the family; initiate a process related to client services (e.g., termination of parental rights, protective custody warrants, dependency hearings, in-and out/removal of incarcerated parents, delinquency hearings, legal guardianships, etc.); make recommendations to the court; and ensure that all court documents are legally sufficient in accordance with Federal and California State laws and regulations and are completed within established response times or time intervals.
  
• Stays current with knowledge related to children and family social services (e.g., Core Practice Model; changes in Federal and California State laws and regulations; changes in Department policies and procedures; developments in best practices; etc.) by attending professional conferences, training sessions, workshops, and facilitator certification; reviewing information obtained from Department memoranda, policy updates, staff meetings, the Internet, magazines, journals, newspapers, professional publications, etc. in order to determine its impact on providing effective client services and adapt to changes in Federal and State laws.
  
• Represents the Department/program/unit at various meetings (e.g., CFTs, staff meetings; training sessions; conferences; community events; court hearings, meetings with specific groups, such as IEP, MCPC, Regional Center; etc.) by consulting with supervisor and other appropriate parties, driving to various locations, facilitating Child Family Team meetings, and collaborating with community resources/partners in order to orally communicate information to others; educate others and oneself on various topics; address concerns raised by relevant groups; and/or advocate for the child/family during the meeting to identify and address their underlying needs.
  
• Drives a motor vehicle to perform most of the essential job functions listed above.
  

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY:

OPTION I:

A Bachelor's degree* from an accredited** college or university with a major in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Child Development, or a related Human Services field.***

AND Current enrollment, with anticipated graduation by May/June 2026, of the Master of Social Work Internship Program with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) or DCFS Internship Program or DCFS Internship Stipend Program under Federal Title IV-E or the California Title IV-E Education Program.

-OR-

OPTION II:

A Bachelor's degree* from an accredited** college or university with a major in Social Work AND Current enrollment in the Department of Children and Family Services Internship Program or successful completion of the California Title IV-E Education Program in the 2025-2026 academic year.

EDUCATION WITHHOLD:

Applicants who anticipate completing their Bachelor's Degree by June 15, 2026, may apply for this examination but will be withheld from placement on the eligible register until they have met the education requirements.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION:

*To receive credit for your education, include a copy of your official diploma, official transcript, or letter/certificate from an accredited institution at the time of filing or send to the Examinations Section ( DCFSExams@dcfs.lacounty.gov ) by July 15, 2026.The document should show the major and date the degree was conferred and be in English; if it is in a foreign language, it must be translated.

We do not accept password-protected documents. Ensure documents are unlocked before attaching to your application or sending to the exam analyst.

For more information on our standards for educational documents, please visit:

https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/070812_PPG123.pdf and
https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/205105_PPG_123_ACE_Resource_Guide.pdf

**Accredited institutions are those listed in the publications of regional, national or international accrediting agencies which are accepted by the Department of Human Resources. Publications such as American Universities and Colleges and International Handbook of Universities are acceptable references.

***Human Services related fields may include Child Development, Behavioral Science, Human Development, Human Services, Child and Adolescent Development, Early Childhood Development, Clinical Psychology, Counseling, Family and Child Development, Family Studies, Marriage and Family Therapy, Marriage, Family and Child Counseling.

Verification of applicant's enrollment in the 2025-2026 Bachelor of Social Work Internship or Masters of Social Work Internship or DCFS California Title IV-E Education Program AND current enrollment/completion of the internship with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, will be acquired either from the school's Registrar's Office or from the Office of Education and Licensure Program in the Department of Children and Family Services immediately after the online application filing.

PHYSICAL CLASS III - MODERATE:
This class requires that the incumbent stand or walk most of the time with bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, working on irregular surfaces, occasional lifting of objects weighing over 25 pounds, and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds.

LICENSE:
A valid California Class C Driver License is required to perform job-related essential functions.

Successful applicants for positions that require driving must obtain and present a copy of their driving record from the California State Department of Motor Vehicles before final appointment. Applicants should not present a copy of their driving history until asked to do so by the hiring department. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether an applicant’s driving history has a direct or adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job. License must not be currently suspended, restricted, or revoked.

AN APPLICANT WHOSE DRIVING RECORD SHOWS FOUR (4) OR MORE MOVING VIOLATIONS WITHIN THE LAST TWO (2) YEARS WILL NOT BE APPOINTED.

Additional Information

EXAMINATION CONTENT:

This examination will consist of an Evaluation of Training and Experience, weighted 100%, assessing Professional/Technical Training and Experience as it relates to the job.

Applicants must receive a passing score of 70% or higher on the assessment to be added to the list.

ELIGIBILITY AND VACANCY INFORMATION :
Applicants who passed the assessment(s) are placed on a list for a period of 6 months. We will use this list to fill vacancies in the Department of Children and Family Services.

Applications will be processed as they are received and added to the list accordingly.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

AVAILABLE SHIFT:

Any appointees must be willing to work after hours, weekend shifts, and holidays.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION:

Candidates who are selected for employment must successfully complete the pre-employment requirements, which include fingerprint clearance and background investigation, medical examination, and psychological evaluation.

FINGERPRINTING CLEARANCE AND BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:

All Department of Children and Family Services employees are fingerprinted and subject to criminal background check by the State Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Employment/Promotion is contingent upon passing the background checks. An individual with job-related convictions as defined by the County policy (PPG 514) or the requirements of a "sensitive position" may be withheld from appointment or may be discharged.

APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION:

We only accept applications filed online. Applications submitted by U.S. mail, fax, or in person are not accepted. Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" green button at the top right of this posting. This website can also be used to get application status updates. Please fill out the application completely. Provide relevant job experience including employer's name and address, job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week, and description of work performed.

We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment. Copying verbiage from the Requirements or class specification as your work experience will not be sufficient to demonstrate meeting the requirements. Doing so may result in an incomplete application and may lead to disqualification.

We will send notifications to the email address provided on the application, so it is important that you provide a valid email address. If you choose to unsubscribe or opt out from receiving our emails, it is possible to view notices by logging into governmentjobs.com and checking the profile inbox. It is every applicant's responsibility to take steps to view correspondence, and we will not consider claims of missing notices to be a valid reason for re-scheduling an exam part. Register the below domains as approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk mail.

DCFSExams@dcfs.lacounty.gov
ocamps@dcfs.lacounty.gov

What can you do if you do not attach the documents at the time of filing?
Please email documents to DCFSExams@dcfs.lacounty.gov and indicate your name, the exam name, and the exam number by July 15, 2026. Any missing required documents not submitted by the deadline will result in your application being rejected as incomplete.

Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number, so include yours when applying.

For those who do not have access to a computer or the internet, we provide access to complete an application at public libraries throughout the county.

All applicants must file their application online using their own user ID and password. Using a family member's or friend's login information may erase a candidate's original application record.

Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI)

The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to promoting Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst races. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices.

California Relay Services Phone: (800) 735-2922

ADA Coordinator Email: DCFSexams@dcfs.lacounty.gov

Teletype Phone: (800) 899-4099

Alternate Teletype Phone: (800) 897-0077

Department Contact Name: Stephanie Ocampo

Department Contact Phone: (213) 351-5898

Department Contact Email: DCFSexams@dcfs.lacounty.gov

For detailed information, please click here

Closing Date/Time: 4/6/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• Los Angeles County

• (800) 970-5478

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