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Kern County Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Kern County Social Worker information

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$36.5K

$78.9K

$127.5K

How much do kern county social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for kern county social worker in the United States is $78,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $93,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Kern County social worker do?

A Kern County Social Worker provides support and services to individuals and families in need throughout Kern County, California. Their responsibilities often include assessing client needs, developing care plans, connecting people to community resources, and advocating for the well-being of vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, and those facing hardship. Social workers in Kern County may work in areas such as child protective services, adult services, or mental health. They collaborate with other professionals and agencies to ensure clients receive comprehensive support and may also conduct home visits and case management. The goal is to help clients improve their quality of life and achieve stability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kern County social worker?

To thrive as a Kern County Social Worker, you need a bachelor's or master's degree in social work or a related field, knowledge of local social services, and case management expertise. Familiarity with case management software, state reporting systems, and legal regulations is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and crisis intervention abilities help build trust and effectively support diverse clients. These skills ensure vulnerable populations receive appropriate services, legal compliance is maintained, and positive community outcomes are achieved.

What are some common challenges faced by Kern County social workers, and how are they supported in managing these challenges?

Kern County Social Workers often encounter complex cases involving vulnerable populations, such as children or elderly individuals in crisis. Balancing high caseloads and emotional demands can be challenging, but the county provides resources like regular supervision, peer support groups, and ongoing training to help manage stress and maintain professional wellbeing. Social workers collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams—including law enforcement, healthcare providers, and educators—to ensure holistic support for clients. This team-based approach fosters shared responsibility and provides additional perspectives when navigating difficult situations.

What cities are hiring for Kern County Social Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Kern County Social Worker job openings:

What states have the most Kern County Social Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Kern County Social Worker jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Kern County Social Worker jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Kern County Social Worker jobs are:

Infographic showing various Kern County Social Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,890 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Social Service Worker III-East Kern Regions (Lake Isabella, Mojave, Ridgecrest)-DHS

Kern County

Bakersfield, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Kern County rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

276th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Information This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time without notice. This recruitment is for a position that will work in the East Kern Region. Locations include Ridgecrest, Lake Isabella, and Mojave.

Candidates must indicate their willingness to work in Ridgecrest, Lake Isabella, and Mojave or their application will be rejected. Candidates MUST be willing to travel to these locations. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed.

Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission. Examinations: Appraisal (Weight 100%): Will be conducted for the purpose of evaluating the applicant's training, education, experience, interest and personal fitness for the position. Appraisal can be based on any one or combination of the following: Investigation, oral exam and/or rating of the application.

Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process. Minimum Qualifications/Employment Standards: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in any field which includes a minimum of 12 semester or 20 quarter units in a behavioral science, AND eighteen (18) months of experience equivalent to a Social Service Worker in a the Kern County classification system. OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree and six (6) months experience equivalent to a Human Services Technician I, Job Developer I, Program Specialist I, or Eligibility Worker, in the Kern County classification system and eighteen (18) months of experience equivalent to a Social Service Worker in the Kern County classification system.

OR Bachelor's degree AND successful completion of 24 semester or 40 quarter units of a Master's degree program in Social Work, or a Counseling program from an accredited college or university, emphasizing Marriage, Family and Child Counseling or Marriage and Family therapy, Gerontology or Clinical Psychology, AND twelve (12) months of social casework experience. Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required. Incumbent must have the ability to travel to designated locations.

Full Job Description for Social Service Worker III This position works within the Department of Human Services of Kern County. For more information about the department, please view their website here. Please ensure applicable materials are attached to your application.

If you are unable to attach application materials to your application, you may deliver a copy to the Human Resources Division at 1115 Truxtun Ave. First Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301 or email garciado@kerncounty.com Bilingual (English/Spanish) applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a bilingual (English/Spanish) certificate before the final filing deadline

Applicants who wish to be considered for bilingual employment must submit a bilingual certificate issued by the Kern County Human Resources Division or its authorized agent, Bakersfield College. Access the following website for information about where to obtain a qualifying certificate: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/academics/career-education/bilingual-testing.html Employees who occupy positions designated as bilingual are paid dependent upon the required level of proficiency. About Kern County Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community

Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county. To learn more about Kern County, click here or follow us: Growth Mindset We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work.

We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth. Additional Information Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.

A background check may be conducted for this classification. Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense. Appointees are subject to fingerprinting for the purpose of a criminal records check as authorized by section 16501 of the California Welfare and Institutions code and section 11105.3 of the California Penal Code

This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.

Candidates are encouraged to indicate acceptable geographical locations in which they would accept employment on their application form. Candidates MUST be willing to travel to these locations (areas/district offices). For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our FAQ page.

Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.


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