SOCIAL SERVICES SPECIALIST

ELIGIBLE PERSONS

At the time of application and appointment, applicants must have:

A. A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Guidance and Counseling or Human/Social Services; OR

B. A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Guidance and Counseling or Human/Social Services and at least one (1) year of full time paid experience working in a childcare institution, which must include conducting individual and group counseling sessions; OR

C. A Bachelor’s Degree and at least one (1) year of full-time paid professional experience in a Human or Social Services field.

NOTE: In order to be certified to a position at the Juvenile Detention Facility, you must have the degree and experience required under Section B.

DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR JOB DUTIES

Social Services Specialists work in the Wayne County Jails, Juvenile Detention Facility, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, County Clerk’s Office and the Department of Health, Veterans and Community Wellness. Social Service Specialist may work with inmates, juveniles, victims of crime, diversion clients or senior citizens. Duties may include: conducting interviews; counseling clients; making referrals and recommendations; serving as a liaison and advocate; attending court hearings; monitoring compliance with court orders; explaining programs and court orders; enforcing policies; maintaining records and processing required paperwork; performing computer data entry of case processing, proof of entry to LEIN and communicating with MSP and various law enforcement agencies; and coordinating daily living, care and therapeutic activities.

TYPES OF TESTS

A Written test (40%) will be administered covering general knowledge of the human/social service field. Personal Qualifications Interview will be rated at (60%).

Candidates must pass all tests in order to be placed on the eligibility list.

In the event that the number of eligible applicants is equal to or less than the number required for certification, the Department of Personnel/Human Resources may substitute for the above tests an evaluation of experience and training or such other tests as the Department may deem desirable to determine the competence of the applicants for appointment.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which to fill present and future vacancies. The eligible list will remain in effect for six (6) months, but may be extended.

This is a continuous examination and ranking on the eligible list will be subject to change as names are added to and removed from the list.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Pay Rate and Fringe Benefits: Appointments will usually be made at the minimum rate with annual increases where applicable. Payment is on a bi-weekly basis. Employees receive liberal fringe benefits, which include vacation pay, sick leave pay, health care insurance, optical, dental, long term disability, life insurance and a retirement plan.

How to Apply: Applicants must complete application form (P/HR-210), which may be obtained at the office of the Department of Personnel/Human Resources. The application will be used for determining eligibility for admission to the examination and as a basis for rating experience and training.

Investigation and Probationary Period: An investigation of character and past employment will be conducted. Appointees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period before the appointment will be considered permanent, in accordance with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreements.

Veteran’s Preference: Honorably discharged war veterans who receive passing grades on examinations will have ten (10) points added to their final earned examination scores and those who have a service connected disability will have five (5) points added to their score, for a possible total of fifteen (15) additional points. Requests for and proof of eligibility must be submitted at the time of the examination.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The County of Wayne is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, height, weight, arrest record or disability.

Accommodations for the Disabled: A disabled person needing accommodation in connection with a job application or to participate in the examination process must notify the Department of Personnel/Human Resources. A reasonable accommodation may also be required on the job to enable the individual to perform the essential job functions. Such accommodations will be evaluated at the time of appointment. Hearing or speech impaired persons using TDD’s or similar devices may contact the Michigan Relay Center, toll free at (800) 649-3777 or 711 to communicate directly with the Department of Personnel/Human Resources during regular working hours.

Appeal of Rejection: Persons denied permission to compete in an examination may make a written appeal to the Wayne County Civil Service Commission for a final decision. An appeal must be filed within twenty (20) days following the mailing of the rejection stating the basis on which the application should be accepted.

Review of Examination: A request to review an examination must be made in writing within twenty (20) days after the notice of result of the examination is mailed. An appeal concerning the rating received must be made in writing within twenty (20) days after the review. An appeal must state the basis on which it is claimed that the rating is improper.