Children's Services Social Worker II/III (Open and Promotional)

The Human Services Agency (HSA) of the County of San Mateo is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Children's Services Social Worker II/III within the Children and Family Services (CFS) branch. This recruitment will focus on filling positions within the Weekend Unit (including after hour and grave shifts) as the first level of priority. These positions are based out of the Central Region Office (San Mateo/Foster City border). Social Workers assigned to these units are responsible for screening and responding to emergency response referrals outside of traditional business hours.

Children and Family Services is committed to promoting the safety, permanency, and well-being of children while partnering with families, caregivers, and communities to support positive outcomes. Our Social Workers perform critical work that includes responding to child welfare referrals, assessing safety, engaging with families, coordinating services, and helping connect children and caregivers with resources and support.

We recognize that child welfare is complex, challenging, and meaningful work. The role requires compassion, resilience, flexibility, and sound judgment. Social Workers in these assignments must be comfortable navigating changing priorities, responding to urgent situations, and working with children and families during some of their most difficult moments.

We are seeking individuals who are committed to learning, growth, and collaboration. As we continue to strengthen our practice and support for staff, we value employees who bring curiosity, adaptability, and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. Successful candidates will be individuals who are open to feedback, willing to continue developing their practice, and committed to contributing to a team environment.

Hiring Incentive!! Eligible candidates may receive a sign-on bonus of up to $15,000!

First-time external new hires, as well as current County employees promoted internally or transferring from other County departments into a regular Children's Services Social Worker II/III position within the Human Services Agency, may be eligible to receive a sign-on bonus of up to $15,000. The incentive is paid in three phases and is prorated for part-time positions. Restrictions apply, and the program may be modified or discontinued at any time. See the Hiring Incentives webpage for complete details: https://jobs.smcgov.org/hiring-incentives/.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A commitment to serving children and families with compassion, respect, and cultural humility.
• The ability to build relationships and collaborate with children, families, colleagues, community partners, and other professionals.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in complex and time-sensitive situations.
• A willingness to learn, grow, and develop knowledge and skills in child welfare practice.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team while also exercising independent judgment.

Current Priority Assignments

Available assignments are based on operational needs at the time of onboarding and may include the following:

Weekend Unit (Friday–Monday)

• Hybrid Screener Day Shift: 8:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
• Swing Shift: 1:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
• Grave Shift: 11:00 p.m.–9:30 a.m.

Afterhours Weekday Unit

• Grave Shift: 11:00 p.m.–9:30 a.m.

In the event there are additional future vacancies approved, next priority will be given to fill additional shifts in the afterhours weekday unit, and/or Emergency Response.

Support for Staff

Children and Family Services recognizes the importance of supporting staff who perform this demanding work. The program offers on-site Clinical Support through the Secondary Trauma Action Team response to assist employees following challenging cases and promote staff well-being.

Telework

Telework, in accordance with the HSA telework policy, remains an option for eligible assignments at one day per week for a five-day work week beginning January 2027. A minimum of four days must be on-site, in office.

Shift Differential

Employees regularly assigned to eligible shifts of eight (8) hours or more that begin after 11:59 a.m. and before 1:01 a.m. may receive shift differential pay for all hours worked during that shift, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the County of San Mateo and AFSCME (2024–2027).