Social Work Supervisor - Exempt (Open and Promotional)

The Aging and Disability Services Division of San Mateo County Health is seeking leaders for the position of Social Work Supervisor.

Under general supervision, the Supervisor will perform a variety of specialized tasks supporting continuous quality improvement for Adult Protective Services including: conducting quality case reviews; facilitating and assisting in the implementation of improvement projects/reviews; tracking and reporting performance measures; and supporting compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and policies.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong assessment skills, including the ability to:
  • Gather information from interviews and from written documents.
  • Pursue the collection of information from various database sources
  • Make professional judgments based on the information collected during the review.
• Strong knowledge of Adult Protective Services (APS) principles, policies, procedures, and best practices.  
• Ability to review case records objectively and identify strengths, deficiencies, trends, and areas of risk
• Ability to maintain objectivity, confidentiality, and professionalism when reviewing sensitive cases
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing documentation
• Ability to recognize patterns and identify systemic issues affecting service delivery
• Ability to develop practical recommendations and corrective action strategies
• Comfortable facilitating or participating in case consultation and quality improvement meetings
• Ability to train and mentor new staff in case review and quality assurance practices
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interviewing skills.
• Availability and willingness to travel to conduct interviews

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

• Completion of Adult Protective Services training 
• Conduct qualitative case reviews in accordance with the guidelines established by the Administration for Adult Protective Services and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) 
• Review case files and conduct interviews with involved parties to gather information to complete the Onsite Review Instrument (OSRI) 
• Use professional judgement to make rating decisions in the OSRI based on guidelines and updated guidance from CDSS 
• Prepare detailed review summaries and recommendations to support continuous quality improvement initiatives 
• Support implementation of CQI projects aimed at improving service delivery and client outcomes 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify process improvements and monitor effectiveness of interventions 
• Participate in quality improvement meetings and contribute to action planning and follow-up activities 
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings to discuss case outcomes, program performance, and improvement strategies 
• Assist in the Training of new social workers in Case review and other Qualitative Case Review techniques 
• Plan, direct, assign, review, and evaluate the work of assigned social workers, Deputy Public Guardian and Public Health Nurses.
• Support, train, and assist staff in developing and improving social work, care management, case management, and/or population specific skills.
• Review and utilize data to identify and drive appropriate interventions, determine program effectiveness, and monitor for compliance with relevant guidelines and regulations.
• Plan, organize, and provide trainings to staff to discuss general policies, rules, regulations, or laws relating to social welfare and healthcare resource programs and training plans. Ensure compliance with county/program training requirements.
• Hold individual conferences with staff to provide case consultation, guidance, problem solving, and constructive feedback to ensure best practice delivery methods are provided to clients and that staff work expectations are met, while applying reflective supervision practices where feasible.
• Make decisions on methodologies and procedures for solving specific problems in accordance with sound casework, best practices, guidelines, and departmental policy.
• Monitor and conduct regular quality assurance reviews of required regulatory documentation, including, but not limited to, case summaries, progress notes, assessments, care plans, consent to treatment, and releases of information to ensure compliance, completion, and accuracy.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external teams and divisions providing services to review, coordinate, and assign work as appropriate.
• Attend meetings and collaborate program work with partner agencies.
• Conduct employee performance evaluations in accordance with County and departmental policy.
• Act as a resource to assigned staff regarding policy and procedures.
• Consult with higher level management to review and address workflows and emerging issues, in addition to departmental policies, practices, and procedures.
• Confer with and provide information to other public and private agencies interested in the programs and services of the department.
• Conduct and prepare research studies.
• Prepare reports and correspondence.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods, and techniques of social work, care management, case management, and/or childcare supervision.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, coaching, mentoring, and the training of staff in departmental policies and work procedures.
• Scope and nature of current problems, trends, and best practices in the field of social work, care management, case management, and/or child protection services.
• Laws, rules, regulations, and procedures governing the operation of public health and/or public social service agencies and the variety of service programs.
• Principles of individual and group behavior and their application to cases.
• Community organizations and resources.
• Functions of social service/welfare agencies.
• Functions of medical and behavioral health agencies.

Skill/Ability to:

• Plan and implement a residential program, where applicable.
• Teach the concepts and methods involved in the practice of social casework, care management, case management, and/or residential childcare.
• Plan, organize, supervise, and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
• Ensure case authorization and case documentation is completed timely and accurately.
• Work effectively with staff from diverse backgrounds and with varied experiences.
• Promote teamwork effectively.
• Provide direction in the development and implementation of treatment/care plans for clients.
• Effectively interpret departmental policies, rules, and regulations.
• Prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgement within general policy and legal guidelines.
• Maintain effective, cooperative, and understanding work relationships with clients from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds, representatives of other units and agencies, and others contacted during the course of work.
• Where applicable, work effectively with clients with complex needs, including individuals with co-morbidities of behavioral health, physical health, and negative social determinants such as homelessness or risk of homelessness.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to qualify is two (2) years of experience performing a full range of professional social worker duties, and at least six (6) months of lead experience; or a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work that included an internship, AND one (1) additional year of experience performing a full range of professional social worker duties.

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply.  Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination. 

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%) which may include a written exercise. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT:  Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST
Application Screening: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Civil Service Panel Interview:  Thursday, October 15, 2026

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

Analyst: Sarah Huynh (09092026)(G093 - Social Work Supervisor - Exempt)