Social Worker - Early Start Assessment

Company: Golden Gate Regional Center
Location: San Francisco
Posted on: February 13, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Social Worker - Early Start Assessment Starting Starting Salary Bachelor's Degree: $58,083 - $69,700 Master's Degree: $64,008 - $76,810 Are you looking to make an impact and do work you are passionate about? GGRC is committed to assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities lead lives of liberty and opportunity. We are currently hiring Social Workers - Early Start Assessment to lead the assessment of applicants (0-36 months) who are applying for services under the Early Start program. Facilitate IDCT eligibility assessment coordination and for those found eligible develop Initial IFSP within 45 days of referral. This role offers a hybrid schedule giving you the opportunity to work in with clients in their homes in San Mateo County, from our San Mateo office and from the comfort of your own home. Local travel within the county lines of San Mateo will be required. Access to reliable transportation will be needed. Responsibilities Initial Early Start Applicant Assessment Contact the client/family/guardian and makes an appointment to meet with them. Interview for purposes of obtaining social, emotional, developmental and familial information to form a home based assessment. Obtain the completed intake information from client and/or family and conducts a need assessment prioritizing available resources selections. Clarify the request for services and the needs of client/family. Review and analyze available data; identify barriers and opportunities in clients’ developmental objectives and plans. Design, monitor and revise Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) to meet personal goals and determines client availability within the state mandated timeframes. Work with client families to assess needs, preferences and life choices. Confirm any immediate needs and provide or arrange for any necessary interventions or services. Meets with the applicant/family/guardian within a designated time period and reviews submitted materials. Obtain the completed application form from applicant and/or family (or assist in completion of form). Provide information regarding Golden Gate Regional Center, Early Start and services available. Interview for purposes of obtaining social, emotional, developmental and familial information to form social diagnosis Completes Early Start Assessment report Schedule and coordinate meetings with team and applicants Obtain necessary information to complete Applicant Developmental Evaluation Report (CDER) Obtain any additional signed Release of Information forms for additional data base material Submit completed application packet and completed Releases of Information to the Office Assistant – Intake Coordinate assessment team's completion of the CDER at the time of eligibility determination Provides information and referrals for applicants who are not eligible for agency services Research available community resources and services Ensure that services are provided per the Lanterman Act and Title XVII Obtain or collect information or data for use by interdisciplinary team. Provide intake eligibility services as needed Provide crises management as needed Review and ensure that the applicants receive appropriate services from existing community resources Empower applicants and their families to fully participate in coordinating and utilizing the resources available Advocate for applicants as needed in unique circumstances Provide outreach services as assigned Reporting and Administration Maintain applicant records, Case and Title XIX Progress notes as required Prepare written and verbal reports Miscellaneous paperwork Organizational Support Participate in staff and other internal meetings and task forces as assigned Participate in community meetings and activities Assist community resources in improving the quality of services to the disabled Identify community service needs or gaps and stimulate the development of such services Participate in special projects, and assist with additional duties or tasks, as assigned Maintain all applicant information as confidential in compliance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the California Lanterman Act Requirements Education/Training Master’s Degree in Social Work, Early Childhood Education and or related human services field strongly preferred; Bachelor’s degree in social work with 1 year experience working with 0-36 month population required or related field required. Experience 2 years (post-doctoral) work with developmentally disabled population Skills Interviewing techniques to ensure person centered thinking Knowledge of principles, objectives and techniques of counseling individuals Knowledge of normal and abnormal individual and group behavior, human growth and development of family relationships Ability to maintain case records in a clear and concise manner Written communication: ability to develop standard business communications, using proper grammar, spelling and punctuation Oral communication: ability to convey complex information and ideas in a clear, concise and professional manner Ability to operate basic office equipment Basic familiarity with MS Word®, MS Excel®, MS PowerPoint®, MS Outlook® or similar software applications Competency Traits Facilitate discussions and collaboration Gain enrollment by ensuring buy-in and cooperation of applicants, families, community agencies and peers Empower and guide applicants to take charge of own choices and to develop supports and resources Build partnerships and trust through collaboration, active listening and an openness to new ideas Problem solve creatively to reach outcomes for applicants Willingness to support team members Information seeking and initiative Persistence and positive attitude Crisis management and decision making Respect and cultural awareness; effectively manage own reactions Adaptability Organizational skills and time management Desired Qualifications Work experience early intervention, early childhood education and or previous regional center experience Case Management and assessment experience Experience in multi-cultural settings and/or multi-lingual capacity Benefits We offer a comprehensive benefits package including Medical and Dental benefits with a generous employer contribution and additional employer paid Life, Disability and Vision coverage 10% employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement account to help you save for the future! GENEROUS TIME OFF BENEFITS No really, we mean generous: 13 vacation days, 15 sick days, 11 paid holidays, 6 personal holidays, and up to 5 paid days for continuing education What makes GGRC so special? GGRC values diversity, we believe in creating an environment where people of all backgrounds can collaborate to find solutions to complex problems. We are community minded and passionate. GGRC values each person as a full, robust, and unique individual and interacts with each person in a manner that is respectful and responsive. We endeavor to place each person at the center of his, her or their own life. We approach each person as an expert on his, her or their own life and identity with a clear and attentive inquiry into what is important to, as well as important for, that one person (whether coworker or person-served, family member or other stakeholder). How to apply: GGRC values diversity; people of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Please complete the application and submit your most recent resume. If you feel that the questions do not accurately capture what you have to offer Golden Gate Regional Center, you are also welcome to attach a cover letter. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis so we encourage you to submit yours soon. We look forward to reading your application. Golden Gate Regional Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Keywords: Golden Gate Regional Center, Petaluma , Social Worker - Early Start Assessment, Social Services , San Francisco, California