ABOLISHED 01/01/2017 PER PAY LETTER 17-04 - Supervising Casework Specialist II, Youth Authority
California State Personnel Board Specification
Definition
Under general direction in a Youth Authority facility to plan, organize, and direct the casework program and supervise a large staff of caseworkers; maintain order and supervise the conduct of wards and residents; protect and maintain the safety of persons and property; and do other related work.
Typical Tasks
Supervises a large casework staff in a Youth Authority facility; plans, organizes, and directs the casework program; assigns cases and counsels caseworkers on casework and group work problems; maintains adherence to casework policies of the Department; conducts staff meetings; trains staff, evaluates staff performance, and takes or recommends appropriate action; supervises the training of casework students; personally performs or supervises research relating to casework; participates in staff conferences; assists in the development of effective casework procedures; works with departmental administrators for the purpose of improving policies and procedures as they relate to the casework program; coordinates the presentation of cases before the Youthful Offender Parole Board; establishes and maintains cooperative working relations with other institution staff members; develops and maintains necessary liaison services with other State departments, law enforcement agencies, probation departments, and relevant community organizations; addresses groups on the casework program; prepares reports; maintains order and supervises the conduct of persons committed to the Department of the Youth Authority; prevents escapes and injury by these persons to themselves or others or to property; maintains security of working areas and work materials; and inspects premises and searches wards and residents for contraband, such as weapons or illegal drugs.
Minimum Qualifications
Either I
Experience: In California state service either:
1. One year of experience performing the duties of a Supervising Casework Specialist I, Youth Authority. or
2. Three years of experience performing the duties of a Casework Specialist, Youth Authority. or 3. One year performing the duties of a Parole Agent II, Youth Authority. or
4. Three years performing the duties of a Parole Agent I, Youth Authority.
and
Education: Completion of a two-year graduate curriculum in social work in an accredited school of social work. (Equivalency to graduation from college in one of the behavioral sciences with two additional years of experience in an institution or camp setting performing duties equivalent in level of responsibility to the class of Casework Specialist, Youth Authority, may be substituted for the completion of a two-year graduate curriculum in social work in an accredited school of social work.)
Or II
Experience: Four years of experience working with juveniles in social casework, social group work, probation work, parole work, or correctional classification work, at least two years of which must have been as supervisor. and
Education: Completion of a two-year graduate curriculum in social work in an accredited school of social work.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Principles, procedures, techniques, trends, and literature of social work, with particular reference to casework and group work methods; purposes, scope, and operation of correctional institutions with particular reference to institutional programs for delinquent youth; causes, nature, and results of delinquency; characteristics and social aspects of mental and emotional disturbances and mental deficiency; normal and abnormal psychology and its application to the problems of delinquency; research methods as applied to social work; principles and tech-niques of personnel management, organization, administration, and supervision; program planning, evaluation, and budgeting; a manager's/supervisor's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.
Ability to: Supervise the application of casework and group work methods and techniques to the diagnosis and treatment of Youth Authority wards and residents; perform and supervise research studies; supervise others, evaluate their work, and give in-service training; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the work; secure accurate social data and record such data systematically; write clear, accurate, and concise reports; interpret statistical data; give field work training to social work students; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; communicate effectively; effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.
Special Personal Characteristics
An objective and empathetic understanding of the problems of Youth Authority wards, residents, and patients; ability to work effectively in a correctional facility with wards of various racial, ethnic, and cultural differences; tolerance; tact; patience; and emotional stability, maturity, and integrity.
Special Physical Characteristics
Persons appointed to positions in this class must be reasonably expected to have and maintain sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during stressful (physical, mental, and emotional) situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well-being or that of their fellow employees or that of wards and residents.
Assignments during tour of duty may include sole responsibility for the supervision of wards and residents and/or the protection of personal and real property.
Age Limitation
Minimum age for appointment is 21 years of age.
Peace Officer Standards
Citizenship Requirement: Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031(a), in order to be a peace officer, a person must be either a U.S. Citizen or be a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U.S. Citizenship. Any permanent resident alien who is employed as a peace officer shall be disqualified from holding that position if his/her application for citizenship is denied.
Felony Disqualification: Pursuant to Government Code Section 1029, persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers except as provided under Welfare and Institutions Code, Division 2, Chapter 3, Article 8, Section 1179(b), or Division 2.5, Chapter 1, Article 4, Section 1772(b). Except as provided for by these statutes, persons convicted of a felony are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in this class.
Firearm Conviction Disqualification: Anyone who is restricted for employment-related purposes from accessing, possessing, carrying, receiving, or having under his/her control a firearm or ammunition under all applicable State or Federal laws is ineligible for appointment to any position in this classification.
Background Investigation: Pursuant to Government Code Section 1029.1, persons successful in peace officer examinations shall be required to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to appointment. Persons who have previously undergone a Youth Authority background investigation may be required to undergo only a partial background investigation.
Medical Requirement: Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031, persons appointed to a peace officer class shall undergo a medical examination to determine that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job safely and effectively.
Drug Testing Requirement: Applicants for positions in this class are required to pass a drug-screening test. (The drug-screening test will be waived for employees who are currently in a designated "sensitive" class for which drug testing is required under State Personnel Board Rule 213.)
Training Requirements: Under provisions of Penal Code Section 832, successful completion of a training course in laws of arrest, search and seizure, and in firearms and chemical agents is a requirement for permanent status in this classification.
