Social Work Supervisor - Aging & Disability Services -Support Services (Open & Promotional)

The Social Work Supervisor will provide leadership, guidance and mentorship to a diverse team of Social Workers Public Health Nurses and Community Workers while fostering collaboration across diverse professional perspectives. The ideal candidate will plan, assign, review and evaluate staff work while fostering a supportive, high-performing team culture grounded in respect, accountability and continuous learning. This position provides direction to staff on casework concepts, methods and procedures, provisions of services, and departmental policies and procedures under direction of a Health Services Manager.

One position will oversee operations within ADS’ Supportive Services unit, which includes the Enhanced Care Management (ECM), Partners for Independence (PFI), and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) programs The other position will focus on supporting ADS’ Supportive Services unit, focusing on operations in the IHSS program and staff. Both Supervisors will play a key role in supporting staff through change, strengthening communication across programs and ensuring alignment with the County’s vision for person-centered, equitable care.

While program knowledge can be learned, this role requires a strong foundation in supervision, coaching, and team leadership, especially in guiding staff through change and fostering collaboration in dynamic, multidisciplinary environments. Both Supervisors will assist with the on-going integration of California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal’s (CalAIM) ECM and Community Supports and IHSS programs, working closely with the Health Plan of San Mateo (HPSM) to streamline services and promote a seamless continuum of care within a whole-person model.

Each full-time position follows a Monday - Friday, 8am -5pm schedule, working in both South San Francisco and San Mateo offices.  It is anticipated that the position will primarily work in the office during the probationary period, but include hybrid work accordingly. Office requirements include four on-site workdays aligning with operational needs and County requirements.

The ideal candidate will be a confident, empathetic, and solutions-focused leader who values collaboration and professional growth. They will demonstrate:

• Proven ability to lead, coach, and inspire staff to achieve shared goals and provide high-quality, person-centered services.
• Skill in building cohesive teams and cultivating a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate complex team dynamics with professionalism and tact.
• Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills; the ability to guide conversations constructively and maintain alignment through change.
• Experience supervising staff through an equity lens, with an emphasis on inclusion, respect, and fairness.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, organize work efficiently, and maintain focus on both daily operations and long-term program objectives.
• Working knowledge of IHSS and related programs is helpful, but not required, what’s most important is a willingness to learn and a commitment to supporting others’ learning.
• Familiarity with the laws, rules, regulations and procedures governing the operation of public social services agencies and the variety of service programs.
• Knowledge of case management principles, including integrating social and health care services to enhance client function and stability.
• Ability to manage day-to-day program details while keeping in view the agency’s broader philosophy, standards, and requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with sound judgment in decision-making.
• Possession of a clinical license such as an LCSW (or equivalent), which is highly desirable but not required.

The Supportive Services Social Work Supervisor’s responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Providing support and supervision to a team of Social Workers, Public Health Nurse, Community Worker, and/or office staff.
• Reviewing and approving health and psychosocial risk assessments, care plans, and other clinical assessments.
• Troubleshooting issues with the Q Continuum System, HPSM MedHOK database system and the State IHSS CMIPS II database system.
• Establishing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with peers and colleagues from IHSS, other managed long-term services and supports programs and managed care plans, such as HPSM and Kaiser Permanente.
• Maintaining and reporting on program specific data, metrics and performance measures.
• Training, reviewing, consulting and guiding IHSS work, including initial and reassessments.
• Understanding and supporting LEAP efforts (e.g., process improvement) tracking progress and continuously gathering information about process improvements.
• Conducting presentations to community partners, contract agencies, and other County staff. 
• Reviewing client cases and communicating with clients’ formal and informal support as needed.
• Developing and updating Supportive Services Policies and Procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

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. 
 
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.

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, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and/or supplemental questionnaire.
  
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%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in the County of San Mateo, 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. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
  
Tentative Recruitment Schedule
Final Filing Date: Monday, December 22, 2025, at 11:59PM PST
Application Screening: Week of December 29, 2025
Panel Interviews: Week of January 12, 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. 

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. 
We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.