Social Worker I/II/III

Social Worker I/II/III

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Kings County Government Center, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA

Job Type

Full-time permanent

Job Number

2026-033

Department

Human Services

Division

Human Services

Opening Date

09/23/2026

Closing Date

10/5/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB OPPORTUNITY

The Kings Human Services Agency is currently seeking qualified individuals for the position of:

SOCIAL WORKER I/II/III

I: $49,961.60 - $60,964.80 Annually

II: $55,182.40 - $67,329.60 Annually

III: $60,964.80 - $74,401.60 Annually

Kings County Human Services Agency is seeking passionate Social Worker I/II/III candidates who want to make a real difference in the lives of children, families, and adults and older adults in our community through the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) or Adult Protective Services (APS) programs. Whether you're just starting out in the field or bringing years of experience, this series offers meaningful work and room to grow. Social Workers I build a strong foundation by assisting with assessments, supporting case plans, and helping clients access services. Social Workers II take on more complex cases and provide deeper guidance and coordination. Social Workers III step into advanced responsibilities, leading difficult assessments, developing comprehensive plans, and serving as key resources within multidisciplinary teams. With multiple openings, this is a chance to join a supportive agency dedicated to empowering and strengthening Kings County residents.

To discover what makes Kings County a great place to live and work, click here to watch a short video.

For more information about the Human Services Agency, click here to watch a short video.

DUTY SAMPLE

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Learn to perform the full range of social services in such areas as adult protective services, in-home supportive services, home studies, and working with socially or physically disabled individuals.
• Manages a caseload of clients; conducts assessments and case studies to evaluate social services needs; develops and carries out service plans according to client initial and ongoing needs.
• Screens and interviews clients in their homes, in the office, over the phone, and in other field locations to assess the basic social, physical, and mental needs of clients and obtain health information in order to identify and provide social services.
• Interprets and explains program goals, objectives, capabilities, limitations, and rules and regulations programs and client legal rights and responsibilities.
• Receives referrals and determines eligibility for services; authorizes and/or coordinates services as necessary to complete individual service plans; follows up with clients to ensure services have been provided timely and according to client needs.
• Informs clients of available community resources including but not limited to employment, training, housing, food and clothing, and health care; makes referrals to other County programs, external service providers, and community services; advocates for clients with various community and social service agencies.
• Conducts home visits in connection with casework assignments.
• Refers complex cases requiring a higher level of care and/or specialized services to appropriate staff.
• Composes and prepares a variety of program related documentation including case notes and dictation, correspondence, documents, reports, and statistical data.
• Maintains accurate and detailed records, files, and databases related to case actions and client interactions; inputs and updates information into electronic case management systems; maintain confidential client documentation.
• Attends and participates in a variety of meetings, case conferences, joint team meetings, in-service trainings, and other staff development activities.
• Provides training to less experienced staff and volunteers as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Minimum requirements must be met by the closing date

Please note: Work experience for the last 15 years must be included in the work history portion of your application. It is also important that your application show all the relevant education and experience that you possess, even if it extends beyond the required past 15 years. A resume may be attached, but it is not a substitute for completing the application and supplemental questions. Failure to submit a completed application may eliminate you from the recruitment.

When completing the work history portion of your application please include each level position title and level as a separate entry when applicable (e.g., If you were a Level I and promoted to Level II, each level should be entered separately to reflect the time held at each level).

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Social Worker I/II: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in social work, psychology, sociology, or a closely related field. (Substitution: Additional qualifying experience, including equivalent to an Eligibility Worker, Social Services Assistant, or Employment and Training Worker, may substitute the required education on a year for year basis for up to two (2) years.)
• Social Worker III: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in social work, counseling, psychology, sociology, or a related field. (Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may substitute the required education on a year for year basis for up to two (2) years.)

Experience:

• Social Worker I: No experience.
• Social Worker II: One (1) year of responsible social services casework experience at a level equivalent to the classification of Social Worker I at the County of Kings.
• Social Worker III: One (1) year of increasingly responsible social services casework experience at a level equivalent to the classification of Social Worker II at Kings County.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Licenses:

• Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check. Ability to work irregular hours including evenings, holiday and weekends, and travel within and outside the County. Certain positions in this classification may be designated as bilingual, requiring fluency in a foreign language.

For a complete description of duties and qualifications, please view the detailed job specification below.

Social Worker I

Social Worker II

Social Worker III

SELECTION PROCESS: EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a screening committee (pass/fail) and/or a written examination (pass/fail) and/or an oral examination (100%) to determine placement on the eligible list.

Note: Those applicants who are among the top 40 written test scores will be invited to participate in the oral examination process.

VETERANS PREFERENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Veterans Preference Application

You must submit a certified DD-214 and a new request form for each application submission prior to the closing date.

Tentative Recruitment Process

Final Date to Apply: October 5, 2026

SME Review: Week of October 12, 2026

Human Resources Oral Board: October 27, 2026 and October 28, 2026

Please click here to view the current General Unit MOU.

Retirement Benefits: Eligible employees are enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement System, known as CalPERS. The County contracts with the CalPERS for this benefit in the miscellaneous or safety plans as appropriate. The County has reciprocity with other qualifying public retirement systems in California.

Effective January 1, 2013, all new members to CalPERS, or existing members with more than a 6 month break in service from a qualifying previous public employer, will be enrolled in one of the following CalPERS retirement plans (with three year average final compensation) based on their classification:

Miscellaneous - 2% at 62

Safety - 2.7% at 57

If a new employee is currently a member of a qualifying California public retirement plan without a break in service of no more than 6 months (documentation will be required), or ever worked for Kings County previously, they may qualify instead for either of these plans (with single highest year final compensation) in effect prior to January 1, 2013:

Miscellaneous - 2% at 55

Safety - 3% at 55

The new formulas will not apply to existing County employees hired prior to 12/31/12 who promote or transfer to a different position, or into a position covered by a different PERS plan (e.g. move from a position covered by the Miscellaneous Plan to one covered by the Safety Plan).

Health Insurance: Medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs, mental health, and chiropractic care for employees and their eligible dependents is available. The portion of the monthly cost that the employees are responsible for depends on their bargaining unit. The County offers a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The County has an Employee Health Center available to Kings County employees and their dependents enrolled in the County health plan.

Deferred Compensation: Participation is voluntary. One plan with several investment options is available. For more information on the eligibility of a contribution match, please refer to the applicable MOU.

Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and day after, Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; and half-day New Years Eve. Holiday credit may vary for law enforcement, fire, and other employees required to work on a holiday. Refer to the MOU for information on the paid holiday closure.

Vacation: Eligible employees earn from two to four weeks of paid vacation per year, depending on their length of service and bargaining unit agreements.

Sick Leave: Sick Leave is accrued for each hour worked. Accrual rates vary depending on date of hire and bargaining unit agreements. The accumulation of sick leave starts from your first day of employment and sick leave may be requested subsequent to the time it is earned.

Retiree Health Insurance: Upon retirement from the County, and depending on bargaining unit agreements, a percentage of accrued sick leave may be converted to be used to pay for retiree health insurance benefits for eligible employee and spouse.

Education Reimbursement Program: Full-time, permanent employees are eligible to receive up to $500 for units earned toward an associates degree, or up to $1,500 for units toward a bachelors or masters degree. Permanent employees who work at least half-time are eligible. Extra help employees are not eligible. Courses must be to increase their knowledge or ability to perform their present job or to prepare for a higher level job with the County. This program is subject to annual funding.

Flexible Benefits Program: Optional program allows employees to pay for certain qualified benefits with pre-tax salary (such as child care expenses, unreimbursed medical costs, or health insurance premiums).

Specialty Pays: See MOU for information.

Note: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision or procedure described herein may be modified or revoked at any time without notice.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

01

The application and supplemental questionnaire must be completed fully. The following supplemental questions are used to help determine qualifications and eligibility to continue in the recruitment process. All education and experience used to answer the supplemental questions must be included on the education and work history portion of your application. Incomplete applications or supplemental questionnaires cannot be revised after submission and may be grounds for rejection. Responses such as "see resume" or "see application" or brief general statements will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications may be rejected. By clicking "I Accept" below, I certify that I understand and will follow the application instructions.

• I Accept.

02

Please indicate your level of education with major coursework in social work, counseling, psychology, sociology, or a closely related field. (Substitution: Additional qualifying experience, including equivalent to an Eligibility Worker, Social Services Assistant, or Employment and Training Worker, may substitute the required education on a year for year basis for up to two (2) years.). CHECK ALL THAT APPLY. An unofficial copy of your college transcripts are required to attach to your online application. For information on how to add attachments to your application, click here. NOTE: You may be required to provide the department with an official copy at the department interview.

• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree.
• Masters Degree.
• I possess additional qualifying experience may substitute the required education on a year for year basis for up to two (2) years.
• None, I do not meet this requirement.

03

Please list your education from an accredited college or university. Include the following information: 1) Name of college or university you attended; 2) Degree received; 3) Major and minor studied; 4) Number of units completed and indicate semester or quarter units. Type "N/A" if you do not possess any units from an accredited college or university.

04

How many years of responsible social services casework experience do you possess?

• Less than one (1) year.
• One (1) year of increasingly responsible social services casework experience at a level equivalent to the classification of Social Worker I at Kings County.
• More than one (1) year, but less than two (2) years.
• One (1) year of increasingly responsible social services casework experience at a level equivalent to the classification of Social Worker II at Kings County.
• More than two (2) years, but less than three (3) years.
• More than three (3) years.
• None of the above.

05

Please describe your experience with screening and interviewing clients in traditional and/or non-traditional environments to assess the basic social, physical, and mental needs of clients to identify and provide social services. BE SPECIFIC. in your response, include the following: 1.) the name of your employer, 2.) your job title, 3.) relevant job duties, and 4.) dates you were employed. If no applicable experience, type "N/A".

06

Please describe your experience with composing and preparing a variety of program related documentation including case notes and dictation, correspondence, documents, reports, and statistical data. BE SPECIFIC. in your response, include the following: 1.) the name of your employer, 2.) your job title, 3.) relevant job duties, and 4.) dates you were employed. If no applicable experience, type "N/A".

07

Please describe your experience with interpreting and explaining program goals, objectives, capabilities, limitations, rules and regulations, and client legal rights and responsibilities. BE SPECIFIC. in your response, include the following: 1.) the name of your employer, 2.) your job title, 3.) relevant job duties, and 4.) dates you were employed. If no applicable experience, type "N/A".

08

Please describe your experience with providing advice, guidance, intervention, direction, perspective, and resources during crisis situations; providing support and assistance in problem resolution; coordinating or arranging for the provision of appropriate care services. BE SPECIFIC. in your response, include the following: 1.) the name of your employer, 2.) your job title, 3.) relevant job duties, and 4.) dates you were employed. If no applicable experience, type "N/A".

09

Do you possess a current, valid California Drivers License (CADL)? NOTE: Military Spouses, please attach copies of your supporting documentation. For more information on how to add attachments to your application, click here.

• Yes, I possess a valid CADL.
• No, I do not possess a valid CADL, but am ABLE to obtain one prior to appointment.
• No, I do not possess a CADL, but I am a military spouse with a valid driver's license issued by the state of my active-duty spouse's legal residency. I understand that I will be required to submit documents to verify, including but not limited to my dependent ID, my spouse's current out-of-state driver's license, or any other document necessary to verify the information.
• No, I do not possess a valid CADL, and am UNABLE to obtain one prior to employment.

10

This position requires the ability to qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check.

• I have read and understand the above statement.

11

This position requires the ability to work irregular hours, including evenings, holidays and weekends as assigned.

• I have read the above statement and am WILLING and ABLE to meet this requirement.
• I have read the above statement and am UNABLE to meet this requirement.

12

This position requires the ability to travel within and outside the County.

• I have read the above statement and am WILLING and ABLE to meet this requirement.
• I have read the above statement and am UNABLE to meet this requirement.

13

Although not required, please indicate below your spoken bilingual fluency (English/Spanish). My ability to translate English to Spanish as well as Spanish to English when speaking is:

• Fluent.
• Good.
• Fair.
• N/A - Not bilingual.

14

Although not required, please indicate below your written bilingual fluency (English/Spanish). My ability to translate English to Spanish as well as Spanish to English when written is:

• Fluent.
• Good.
• Fair.
• N/A - Not bilingual.

15

This position requires the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 35 pounds.

• I have read the above statement and am WILLING and ABLE to meet this requirement.
• I have read the above statement and am UNABLE to meet this requirement.

16

Please provide any additional information relevant to your qualifications for this position that you believe should be considered when evaluating your application. If not applicable, type "N/A".

17

I understand that only a complete and accurate application will be considered. I have included all current and at least 15 years previous work history and education. I also understand that my application must show all the relevant education and experience that I possess, even if it extends beyond the required past 15 years. Additionally, I understand that the supplemental questions are considered part of my official application. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification, or discharge from employment. By clicking "I Accept" below, I certify that I understand and have followed the application instructions.

• I Accept.

Required Question

Employer Kings County

Address Kings County Government Center

1400 W. Lacey Blvd

Hanford, California, 93230

Phone (559) 852-2510

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingscounty