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Social Worker

THE CURRENT VACANCY IS IN THE SHASTA COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE 

 

ORAL EXAM IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR JULY 2025

 

SEE “SPECIAL REQUIREMENT” SECTION REGARDING 

POSSESSION OF A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE 

 

RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS REQUIRED

 

FINAL FILING DATE: JULY 21, 2025, AT 12:00 PM

 

SALARY INFORMATION

 

$4,478-$5,715 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $25.84-$32.97 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*

 

*Please refer to the appropriate Bargaining Unit Memorandum of Understanding for potential future salary increases* Please visit https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel/page/labor-agreements-mous.

 

ABOUT SHASTA COUNTY

 

Shasta County offers all the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere.  With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

 

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

 

For over 20 years the Shasta County Public Defender’s Office has provided representation to those who are unable to afford an attorney.  Our mission is to provide compassionate, holistic defense to those in need, ensuring that every client receives comprehensive legal representation tailored to their unique experiences, goals, and needs.  We are dedicated to providing zealous, ethical, effective advocacy while protecting the dignity, rights, and humanity of each person we represent.

 

We serve diverse communities, including those most marginalized in our society, with unwavering commitment to justice. Each year, our office represents hundreds of indigent defendants charged with misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile offenses. We also handle an array of civil matters including guardianships, termination of parental rights, and conservatorship matters.  Our role is to protect the constitutional rights of justice-involved individuals and to hold the government accountable, ensuring that fairness and due process are upheld in every case.

 

We foster a supportive and empowering environment where our attorneys and staff are encouraged to grow both professionally and personally. By investing in our team’s well-being and development, we create a culture of excellence, advocacy, and integrity. We are committed to building a sustainable criminal defense practice that serves our clients and our community for generations to come.

 

ABOUT THE POSITION

 

The Shasta County Public Defender’s Office is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Social Worker to join our team supporting clients charged primarily with felony offenses who are experiencing significant mental health and substance use challenges. This position will work collaboratively with attorneys, Shasta County Mental Health, and a network of community partners to develop and implement treatment-focused case plans consistent with Penal Code section 1001.36 (Mental Health Diversion). In addition to handling mental health diversion matters, the Social Worker will be responsible for a wide range of services, including preparing mitigating information for sentencing, making referrals to collaborative courts such as Drug Court or Behavioral Health Court, and connecting clients—regardless of mental health status—to appropriate services, such as substance abuse treatment programs, housing resources, or educational and vocational programs. Responsibilities include assessing client needs, coordinating placements into treatment and supportive services, obtaining and maintaining treatment records, and tracking client progress. The Social Worker will also appear regularly in court and may be required to provide testimony regarding clients’ treatment engagement, progress, and readiness for program completion. This assignment offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by promoting rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and supporting individuals in addressing the underlying causes of their involvement with the justice system.

 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

 

Specialized Focus: This position is primarily assigned to support clients with significant mental health and substance use disorders, with a strong emphasis on cases eligible for Mental Health Diversion under Penal Code section 1001.36.

 

Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Works closely with attorneys, clinical treatment providers, probation officers, and community-based organizations to develop and implement individualized case plans.

 

Court Involvement: Requires frequent court appearances to support clients, advocate for treatment-based alternatives, and provide oral and written reports to the court.

 

Comprehensive Client Support and Case Coordination: Provides services across the continuum of care, including diversion planning, referrals to collaborative courts, sentencing mitigation, and connection to community resources.  Responsible for obtaining, reviewing, and maintaining treatment records and progress reports from multiple agencies and providers.

 

Client Advocacy: Serves as a primary point of contact for clients navigating complex systems of care, assisting them in accessing services and overcoming barriers to engagement.

 

Trauma-Informed Practice: Applies trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches when working with clients facing behavioral health challenges, substance use issues, and socio-economic hardships.

 

Outcome Tracking: Monitors and documents client participation, compliance, and treatment outcomes to inform case strategy and support program evaluation.

 

Community Impact: Plays a vital role in promoting rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and addressing the underlying causes of justice system involvement.

 

IDEAL CANDIDATE

 

The ideal candidate will be an experienced and highly motivated professional with a strong commitment to serving indigent individuals impacted by mental health and substance use challenges. They will have a solid understanding of behavioral health systems, community-based treatment resources, and the principles of trauma-informed care. The candidate will demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, the ability to manage complex caseloads, and the capacity to work effectively in a fast-paced legal environment. Experience collaborating with attorneys, treatment providers, and justice system partners is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will be comfortable preparing clear, concise written reports and presenting information in court proceedings. They will exhibit empathy and excellent interpersonal skills in working with clients from diverse backgrounds. A thorough understanding of Mental Health Diversion under Penal Code section 1001.36, as well as familiarity with collaborative courts and sentencing mitigation practices, is highly desirable. The successful candidate will be passionate about promoting rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and supporting individuals in achieving stability and self-sufficiency.

 

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

 

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

 

Carries a caseload of the more difficult types of social service cases involving individualized treatment and specialized advanced application of casework methods and skills; diagnoses client problems and follows through with the more difficult treatment plans with a high degree of independence; interviews clients in office or home to assess needs for service; explains the optional and mandatory nature of social services programs; interprets State, County and departmental rules, regulations and policies to individuals and groups; responds to requests for information and makes referrals to appropriate workers or departments; gathers, maintains and disseminates current information on community resources; prepares reports, case records and correspondence; as an additional duty, incumbents may function in a lead capacity and assist with casework consultation and training for other social workers; assists in developing and implementing unit policies and procedures; acts in the absence of the supervisor or as designated in assigning cases and reviewing and approving case decisions; attends meetings and does related work as needed. 

 

In the Public Defender’s Office: Meet with clients, many of whom will be incarcerated, to assess treatment needs and develop treatment plans with the goal of reducing recidivism and enhancing the prospects for successful re-entry into the community; collaborate with attorneys to develop alternatives to incarceration for clients suffering from substance abuse problems or mental illness; refer clients to appropriate services and occasionally advocate on their behalf in court proceedings.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

 

Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following:

 

Knowledge of: Social casework objectives, principles, methods and caseload organization and management; the functions and services provided by a public social service agency including basic knowledge of community resources; principles of human growth and development; the laws, policies and administrative procedures of County social service programs; community organization and the social problems calling for the use of public and private community resources; principles and techniques of interviewing and recording in social casework. 

 

Ability to: Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with clients and their families, other employees, representatives of other public agencies and community organizations and groups; effectively use community and agency resources; utilize supervision and direction effectively to meet program goals of the department; communicate effectively in written and oral form; manage a difficult caseload; understand and explain pertinent regulations and policies; maintain current, accurate case records and use automated systems as necessary.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

EITHER

Two (2) years of experience performing professional social casework services;

OR

Possession of a master's degree in social work or a master's degree from a two-year counseling program;

OR

Be a registered MFCC intern with California State Board of Behavioral Science;

OR

Possession of a bachelor's degree, including thirty (30) semester college units in social welfare, social/human services, sociology or other behavioral sciences AND two (2) years of experience as an Assistant Social Worker in Shasta County; 

OR

Possession of a bachelor's degree, including thirty (30) semester college units in social welfare, social/human services, sociology, or other behavioral sciences AND two (2) years of experience performing social casework services in child or adult protective services comparable to an Assistant Social Worker in Shasta County.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

 

Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

 

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

 

Responses to the following must be submitted with a completed application.

 

  1. Do you possess two (2) years of experience performing professional social casework services? If “Yes,” please provide details including, but not limited to, employers, dates of employment, and job duties. If “No,” type N/A.
  2. Do you possess a master's degree in social work or a master's degree from a two-year counseling program? If “Yes,” please indicate the type of degree you received and the college or program you received it from. If “No,” type N/A. 
  3. Are you a registered MFCC intern with California State Board of Behavioral Science? If “Yes,” provide your registration number and upload a copy of your registration. If “No,” type N/A.
  4. Do you possess a bachelor's degree, including thirty (30) semester college units in social welfare, social/human services, sociology or other behavioral sciences? If “Yes,” please indicate the type of degree you received and the college you received it from, as well as the courses and number of college units per class. If “No,” type N/A.
  5. Do you possess two (2) years of experience as an Assistant Social Worker in Shasta County? Yes / No
  6. Do you possess two (2) years of experience performing social casework services in child or adult protective services comparable to an Assistant Social Worker in Shasta County? If “Yes,” please provide details including, but not limited to, employers, dates of employment, and job duties. If “No,” type N/A.
  7. I acknowledge this position requires a valid California driver's license. Yes / No

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT


 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than fifty (50) pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.


 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions.   The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, extreme cold, and extreme heat.  Exposure to unsanitary conditions, e.g., spoiled foods, feces, urine, and disease.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

 

  • All new employees are required to have their paycheck directly deposited to a bank account.
  • Some positions may require a valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record according to County policy.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made for those persons who are disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act to perform the essential functions of the position.
  • As part of the selection process, all individuals provided with a preliminary offer of employment with Shasta County will be subject to a background investigation, including a criminal history check (primarily completed through the taking of fingerprints). An image of your fingerprints will be captured and sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature of the offense, the date of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.
  • Based on the results of the background investigation and criminal history check, applicants may then be provided with an offer of employment conditioned on the results of a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol testing.
  • Shasta County participates in E-Verify. For more information visit https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPoster.pdf (Download PDF reader). If you do not have internet access, contact Personnel at (530) 225-5515 to request a flyer.
  • In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
  • Positions in this classification are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the County and the United Public Employees of California –Professional Unit.
  • Employees in this classification are covered under the CalPERS retirement program. Depending on the provisions of the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and other applicable laws, an employee in this classification will be covered under one of the following CalPERS retirement formulas: (1) 2% at 55, (2) 2% at 60, or (3) 2% at 62. An employee in this classification will also contribute up to 8.5% his/her pay to this plan or will contribute such other amount to the plan as authorized by PEPRA and other applicable laws. Please visit our employees benefit page at https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel/page/employee-benefitsfor additional information regarding benefits and CalPERS coverage information. The provisions in this flyer and on the County website are for information purposes only. To the extent the provisions of the flyer or the County website are inconsistent with PEPRA and other applicable laws, PEPRA and other applicable laws shall govern.

 

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

 

Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until 12:00 p.m., on July 21, 2025. A Resume and/or Cover Letter will be accepted in addition to the application form but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as, “Refer to Resume and/or Cover Letter,” or “See Attached Resume and/or Cover Letter” the employment application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will NOT be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered. 

 

Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof. 

 

Veterans' CreditVeterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran MUST provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) WITH THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE. 

 

Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line at www.ShastaCountyCareers.com or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.

 

Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.

 

Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act.

 

 

SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Shasta County Personnel

1450 Court Street, Suite 348; Redding, CA 96001; (530) 225-5515