SOCIAL WORK SUPERVISOR I
SOCIAL WORK SUPERVISOR II
(Series Specification/Deep Class)

Job Specifications

Class Code:	SN8
Analyst: JD,  TC

Date Originated:	12/80
Dates Revised:	6/83, 7/84, 7/17

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under general direction, to plan, organize, supervise and review the work of social workers; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Social Work Supervisors I and II are the first full supervisory levels over workers performing social service functions.

Social Work Supervisor I Supervises Social Work Unit staff providing moderate to complex casework services.

Social Work Supervisor II

Supervises social work unit staff providing the most difficult, sensitive and specialized casework services.

Deep Class Assignment:  Social Work Supervisor II’s that are assigned on a rotational basis by the Human Services Director to work in the Family and Children’s Services Division or Adult Protective Services Program.

TYPICAL TASKS

Plans, assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of subordinate staff; supervises and trains subordinate staff; reviews and approves case summaries and service plans; assesses subordinates development, learning patterns and performance; assists subordinates to develop and improve social work skills; assigns work consistent with departmental policies and priorities, and subordinates capabilities; determines procedures for solving problems in using sound casework practices and departmental policy; evaluates potential clients for program eligibility and makes difficult decisions to accept and/or terminates clients from the program; develops controls to accomplish work within framework of established laws, policies, procedures and priorities; holds group and individual conferences with unit staff to discuss assignments, cases in progress, rules, regulations, policies, and laws; maintains quality and quantity work records; evaluates performance; schedules vacation and work hours; issues warnings; participates in selection of subordinates; coordinates unit's work and activities with other departmental units; prepares correspondence and reports; represents unit or department in dealings with other departments, agencies and organizations; evaluates policies and procedures and makes recommendations to supervisors; participates in the development of community resources and services; trains new workers in casework techniques; schedules emergency and on call coverage and provides back up response; may direct research studies and prepare reports; may provide vacation or other temporary relief for other classes as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

Social Work Supervisor I

• Thorough knowledge of social casework objectives, principles and methods, and casework management and organization;
• Thorough knowledge of community resources;
• Thorough knowledge of interviewing techniques and problem solving methodology;
• Thorough knowledge of the scope and nature of current problems in the field of social work;
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of human behavior and development and psychological defense mechanisms;
• Working knowledge of the functions of public social service agency;
• Working knowledge of the laws, policies and procedures of County social service programs;
• Some knowledge of the principles of supervision and training.

Social Work Supervisor II

The above, plus:

• Thorough knowledge of social casework objectives, principles and methods of the particular area of specialization, such as child and adult abuse, placement or long term care management of the frail and elderly;
• Working knowledge of the principles of supervision and training.

Ability to:

Social Work Supervisor I

• Plan, organize, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate staff;
• Assess employee development and provide training in casework techniques and practices;
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with others;
• Evaluate case problems and provide leadership and consultation to social workers in the development and implementation of case plans;
• Understand, interpret and apply regulations and departmental policies and procedures;
• Coordinate and integrate the work of subordinates;
• Plan, schedule and conduct individual and group meetings;
• Prepare and present effective written, statistical and oral reports.

Social Work Supervisor II

The above, plus:

• Plan, organize, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate staff performing the most difficult, sensitive and complex casework services.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be: 

• Social Work Supervisor I: Training and experience equivalent to two years of social casework experience comparable to a Social Worker II in Santa Cruz County.
• Social Work Supervisor II: Training and experience equivalent to a Master's Degree in Social Work or a Master's Degree from a two-year counseling program from an accredited college, and two years of social casework experience comparable to a Senior Social Worker in Santa Cruz County.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Positions in this class require a valid California Class C Driver's License or the employee must be able to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

Previous Title:  Social Service Supervisor

Bargaining Unit: 41
EEOC Job Category: 02
Occupational Grouping: 65
Workers' Compensation Code: 0053