SOCIAL/FAMILY SERVICE WORKER TRAINEE
Social/Family Service Worker Trainee is a non-competitive local-government civil service title, so there is no ranked exam. You qualify by meeting the stated education and experience.
The stated bar is a bachelor's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma.
How to apply
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No examThis title is not filled by examination
Non-competitive, unclassified, and Senior Executive Service titles are appointed directly by the hiring agency rather than through a civil service exam. Apply directly to the agency below.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under direct supervision of a Social Work Supervisor or supervisory official in a local government social service agency, performs office and field work required in providing continuing preventive and rehabilitative social services to clients and their families; aiding individuals/families having problems which adversely affect their family unit or personal lives: does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Learns to gather information from clients to identify problems and solutions, and determine their eligibility for social services Learns to identify possible financial resources for applicants when appropriate, provides applicants with information necessary for them to seek benefits from other agencies such as the Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, and State Employment Service. Learns to counsel and assist families/individuals who require assistance in planning and managing their affairs. Learns to refer clients to other service units to meet specific needs, when specialized or long-term services are required. Learns to assess client's problems, and develop a service plan which specifies long and short term goals, and methods and resources to be utilized to meet client's needs. Learns to perform field and office work involved in determining economic needs of clients and their eligibility for various financial, health, and other public assistance programs. Learns to refer clients to appropriate service providers for medical care, treatment, substance abuse rehabilitation, housing, employment, training, and counseling. Learns to coordinate client services, arranges for in-service delivery with other agencies, internal units, or other members of the social service staff. Learns to discuss problems with clients and provide advice and information based on their needs. Learns to evaluate client's need for social services, and provides referrals to other agencies for assistance in financial budgeting money management, locating housing, homemaker's assistance, job training, and day care services. Learns to counsel clients to provide information on public assistance and related programs. Learns to follow-up with clients and/or service providers to evaluate client's progress and determine whether changes to the service plan are required. Learns to visit boarding homes or other agencies providing client services to evaluate level and quality of services. Learns to act as client's advocate to secure emergency services when required. May be required to appear in court or at a hearing to present testimony. Prepares reports and other documents as required. Learns to investigate complaints of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or threats of same to ensure protection and safety of clients. Keeps current with social work trends. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the principles of social work. Knowledge of the methods used to conduct interviews. Knowledge of the methods used to gather and analyze information. Knowledge of problems associated with those experiencing social, economic, and other difficulties. Knowledge of the resources likely to be required by those experiencing social, economic and/or other difficulties. Ability to gather and analyze information. Ability to analyze and evaluate case records. Ability to evaluate and identify client needs and provide recommendations for services. Ability to interpret rules and regulations and apply them to specific situations. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those interested or involved with the work of the unit. Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. ADVANCEMENT Appointees who successfully complete the 12-month training period will be eligible for advancement to one of the following titles under Civil Service Commission procedures. Social Worker (), Social Worker, Substance Abuse (), Social Worker, Health (), Social Case Worker (), Social Worker, Institutions (), Family Service Worker (), Family Service Worker, Bilingual in Spanish/English (). The inability of an employee to attain a level of performance warranting advancement to the one of the titles listed above shall be considered as cause for separation.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. NOTE: Appointments may be made to positions requiring bilingual skills. - Bilingual in Spanish and English SPECIAL SKILL Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in Spanish and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Four (4) years of professional experience relevant to the position. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions. Please refer to the Advancement section located at the bottom of this title specification for a comprehensive list of approved journeyman titles connected to this trainee title. Experience must be related to the journeyman title associated with the position.