Monterey County DSS: Aging & Adults

Organization Description

The Monterey County Department of Social Services (MCDSS) administers over seventy programs that daily serve an estimated 100,000 residents of Monterey County. Department services include a variety of public assistance programs, employment services, and social services for children and their families, adults with disabilities, seniors, and military veterans. The Department is the designated agency responsible for the investigation of child, dependent adult and elder abuse in Monterey County. The mission of Monterey County Department of Social Services (MCDSS) is to promote the social and economic self-reliance of each individual and family we serve through:

  • Employment Services
  • Temporary Financial Assistance
  • Social Support Services
  • Protective Services to Children, Dependent Adults and Seniors
  • Partnerships with the Community to Develop and Support Social Change, Highlighting Personal Responsibility and Self-Sufficiency
Program Information

There are 2 potential internships, one with each program. Information Referral and Assistance (IRA) social workers receive calls from the community, primarily seniors and people with disabilities. They serve as the Intake team for APS and In-Home Supportive Services. They also provide referrals to community services and short-term counseling re: placement options as needed. This is an office-based internship requiring excellent customer service and writing skills.

Adult Protective Services (APS) social workers investigate referrals of abuse and neglect (including self-neglect) of seniors and dependent adults with disabilities. They complete risk assessments and service plans which address client needs. They primarily serve as crisis case managers but occasionally work for several months with certain clients. They regularly coordinate with law enforcement, Behavioral Health, hospitals and community agencies.

Health & Safety

<p>Interns will be required to take online safety classes such as Workplace Violence, Building Evacuation and Emergencies, Office Safety, safe driving courses, etc. Interns also receive information about safety in the field at orientation and from their Supervisor. At times, specific trainings which address safety issues are provided for staff (i.e., gang awareness, crisis intervention, etc.)

APS social workers regularly make unannounced home visits to investigate allegations of alleged elder/dependent adult abuse. Social workers may conduct home visits with law enforcement and may find the home is a safety risk or environmental hazard to the inhabitant.

interns in the IRA program primarily conduct business over the telephone. They may speak to customers in crisis both on the phone and in the office, and the customer concerns may be overwhelming or traumatizing to interns, especially if they are new to the field of social work.</p>
Additional requirements and/or considerations
  • Background Check (e.g. fingerprinting/livescan, driving record)
  • Computer Literacy
  • Driver's License
  • Must be 18 or older
  • Bilingual Desired
  • Fingerprinting
Address 
730 La Guardia
Salinas, CA 93905
United States
General Phone 
(831) 755-4466
Website:
http://mcdss.co.monterey.ca.us
Student Contact 
Name
Emily Nicholl
Job Title
(empty)
Phone
(831) 755-4466
Email
nicholle@countyofmonterey.gov
Program(s) 
MSW (Master of Social Work)
Organization type 
Administrative Entity (Government)
Focus Population(s)
Adopted/Foster Youth or Young Adults, Adults, Guardians/Parents, Seniors
Focus Area(s)
Advocacy and Human Rights, Civic Engagement, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice, Education, Emergency Services & Public Safety, Food & Housing Security, Health & Medicine
Additional Focus Area(s)
Legal Assistance, Activism, Career or College Exploration, Skill Development, Safety Education, Behavioral Health, Disability Support Services, Family Planning Services, Neglect Prevention and Intervention, Patient Advocacy
Hours of operation 

Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm

Maximum students 
2