Skip to main content
Social Services Agency
Social Services Agency

Apply today to join our amazing team of Social Workers!

social worker meeting with family


For nearly one out of every five Santa Clara County residents, we do more than just meet basic needs. We support individuals in immediate need and provide services so that education can be achieved, skills can be learned, and self-sufficiency isn’t just a dream but a true future. 

Are you passionate about helping the community? Join us in our mission to protect and engage children, youth, older adults, and dependent adults who are at risk or have experienced abuse or neglect.  

APPLY TODAY!

 

Qualifications:

Social Worker II

  • Possession of a Master's degree in Social Work preferred or possession of a Master's degree in Behavioral Science, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Psychology, Social Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation, or equivalent titles to the above degree from an accredited college.

AND

  • Two (2) years of social work experience.

OR

  • Possession of a Bachelor's degree in Social Work preferred or possession of a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Nursing, Psychology, Social Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation or equivalent titles to the above degree from an accredited college.

AND

  • Four (4) years of social work experience.
  • Graduate training in an approved school of social work or the related fields above may be substituted for experience, on a year-for year-basis. The practicum experience obtained in the above related fields qualifies as experience.
  • Master's degree in Social Work may be required by statute for certain positions.
  • Possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment, the ability to qualify and maintain a County Driver's permit.

Social Worker III

  • Possession of a Master's degree in Social Work preferred or possession of a Master's Degree in Behavioral Science, Counseling, Education Counseling, Gerontology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Nursing, Psychology, Social Psychology, Vocational Rehabilitation or equivalent titles to the above degree from an accredited college.

AND 

  • Three (3) years of social work experience of which two (2) years are equivalent to a Social Worker II in Santa Clara County.

OR

  • Possession of a Master's Degree in Social Work, as a Title IVE student.

AND

  • Two (2) years of experience equivalent to the classification of a Social Worker II in Santa Clara County.
  • Master's degree in Social Work may be required by statute for certain positions.
  • Possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver's permit.

 

 


Bilingual candidates and those with a cultural competency in serving persons with diverse backgrounds, including Latino, African and Asian Ancestry are encouraged to apply. If you speak a second language fluently (i.e., Vietnamese, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, Cantonese, Farsi, and Hindi, ASL, etc.), please specify that on your application. 


For information on typical tasks, visit the job posting 

 

Why work with us?

Competitive salaries 

Social worker II - $92,911.52 - $112,459.36 base annually 

Social worker III - $102,521.12 - $124,049.12 base annually 

Salary range increases are scheduled on the following dates: 

Effective June 24, 2024 - 4.00% increase 

Effective June 23, 2025 - 4.00% increase 

In addition to the base salary, social workers earn 6% to 9% more when hired into certain departments.

Additional financial incentives:  

  • $5,000 sign on bonus 

New Social Worker II or Social Worker III hires with the Social Services Agency may be eligible to receive a sign-on bonus of up to $5,000 (subject to discontinuation at any time).  

  • Tuition reimbursement 

Receive up to $2,000 for tuition reimbursement when continuing education and up to $8500 towards professional development  

  • Differentials in addition to base salary:  
  • Overtime: Social workers who work overtime and/or after hours receive additional pay per hour 
  • $1,500 bonus Social workers assigned to the Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) Emergency Response unit who graduate the 16 week academy and continue with the department for one year will receive an additional $1,500 incentive 
  • Additional $190 per month in bilingual pay for those certified: To become certified, candidates must take the required language fluency examination Level II (ability to speak, read and write) for the specified language.  

Great Benefits: 

  • Health insurance: Get healthcare for you and your family with plans that start at no cost premiums. 
  • Lifetime pension 
  • Fourteen paid holidays per year 
  • In addition to vacation and sick leave accruals, 32 hours paid time off is provided every year  
  • Mental wellbeing 
  • Deferred compensation options (457k) 
  • Flexible Spending Account 
  • Professional development and career growth opportunities 

To view a full list of benefits, visit County of Santa Clara Employee Services Agency. 

Social work job interest card

Interested, but have questions? Fill out this form and someone will get in touch with you.

Enter your mobile number to receive job alerts. Msg/data rates may apply. 
Interest areas (select multiple)
Education level
Years of experience in social work