Social Worker – Early Start

Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC)

. Conduct needs assessments for children aged 0–3 and their families .

Posted 10/2/2026full-timeSan Rafael • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $58,083 - $76,810 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in conducting needs assessments, developing Family Service Plans, and advocating for clients and families. Proficient in crisis management, community resource navigation, and compliance with relevant regulations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Case Management ExperienceKnowledge of Child DevelopmentFluency in SpanishCrisis Management SkillsExcellent Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Needs AssessmentFamily Service Plan DevelopmentCrisis ManagementCommunity Resource NavigationEligibility DeterminationService CoordinationReport PreparationKnowledge of Early Start RegulationsIntake ServicesReferral Initiation

Soft Skills

EmpathyProblem-Solving SkillsOrganizational SkillsTime-Management SkillsTeam Spirit

Tools & Technologies

MS OfficeCase Management Software

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Welfare or Related FieldMaster’s Degree Preferred

Industry Keywords

Early Start ServicesHigh-Risk InfantsCultural AwarenessMulticultural SettingsClient Rights

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct needs assessments for children aged 0–3 and their families
Develop, implement, and coordinate clients’ Family Service Plans
Act as an advocate and service coordinator for clients and families
Meet with clients and families to conduct needs assessments
Develop action plans for community resources and referrals
Provide information about GGRC and available services to families and community agencies
Partner with families to problem-solve and build on family strengths and natural supports
Monitor children’s developmental status and provide developmental activities
Provide intake services and crisis management as needed
Advocate for clients’ receipt of entitled services and achievement of client rights
Educate clients and families about resources, support, Medicaid Waiver, and Institutional Deeming
Review and ensure appropriate services from community resources
Evaluate service availability and effectiveness
Research community resources and services
Initiate referrals and monitor referral and vendor-service progress
Participate in community meetings, activities, staff meetings, internal meetings, and task forces
Help improve and develop community services through appropriate support
Maintain client records, case notes, and Title XIX progress notes
Determine eligibility for further GGRC services
Coordinate transitions from Early Start services to local school districts or other community programs
Prepare Special Incident Reports and other reports and forms
Ensure compliance with Golden Gate Regional Center policies, State of California requirements, and relevant regulations

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited school of social welfare or related human services field
Master’s Degree preferred
Case Management experience with infants or children under 4 strongly preferred
Fluency in Spanish preferred
Experience in multicultural settings and/or multilingual capacity
Knowledge of identifying and navigating generic services
Knowledge of counseling principles, objectives, and techniques
Knowledge of typical and atypical child development, human growth and development, and family relationships
Knowledge of state and federal legislation concerning Early Start regulations and services for high-risk infants and their families
Good interview skills and team spirit
Ability to balance conflicting priorities and focus on key job outcomes
Ability to stay current with new information in area of expertise
Excellent communication skills and ability to convey complex information clearly, concisely, and professionally
Familiarity with MS Office or similar software applications
Creativity and problem-solving skills
Organizational and time-management skills
Crisis-management and decision-making skills
Empathy and respect for cultural awareness
Access to reliable transportation
Ability to travel locally within San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin counties; occasional statewide travel may be required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical and Dental benefits with a generous employer contribution
Employer-paid Life, Disability and Vision coverage
10% employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement account
13 vacation days
15 sick days
11 paid holidays
6 personal holidays
Up to 5 paid days for continuing education
Hybrid flex schedule
Opportunity to work from home
Continuing education time off