Class Description
Valid as of: July 1, 2024
This series describes work in the fields of social work and counseling. Licensure is typically required for most positions in this class series. Positions assess mental health and behavioral characteristics, assess treatment needs, develop treatment plans, and educate/counsel individuals and groups based on professional theories and principles.
SOCIAL WORKER/GENERAL COUNSELOR I C4L1TX
Concept of Class
Social worker/General counselor I class describes the entry level. Entry level positions perform tasks that are structured and designed to provide training and experience. Tasks are performed under direct supervision and detailed instruction and guidance is received. Employees in this class learn to apply theories and principles of the field. Positions used for training purposes do not remain at this level indefinitely.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Operational. In carrying out the process, there is a choice as to what and how operations will be completed. Although limits are set by the specific process, work requires reasoning to produce practical courses of action that are within the guidelines of the process. Decisions are made without prior approval however the focus is still on practical solutions.
Complexity --Patterned. Studies and utilizes information to determine its meaning and identify practical solutions. Although guidelines exist for most situations, this level typically involves multiple choice situations where the guidelines are not as clear.
Line/Staff Authority --The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. Positions have no supervisory accountability, however may explain work processes and train others, serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system, or serve as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
SOCIAL WORKER/GENERAL COUNSELOR II C4L2XX
Concept of Class
The Social Worker / General Counselor II describes the Fully-operational. Fully operational positions operate independently in performing the full range of tasks. Work requires the use of discretion within the limits of theory and principles of the profession, management’s objectives, laws and regulations, and general systems and guidelines. intermediate level. Intermediate positions operate independently in performing assignments that are limited to phases of a fully operational assignment or which may be designed to provide continued training and experience. Work requires determining solutions to practical problems using specified standards and established criteria. Judgment is used to select and apply existing guidelines to solve problems and accomplish the assignment. What differs this class from the Social Worker / General Counselor I is by the Decision Making factor.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Process. There is a choice in determining the process to accomplish the work. This choice includes designing the set of operations. Limits are set by professional standards, program objectives, and policies established by higher management. Process level
decisions are more theoretical in the sense that positions must evaluate and apply theories and models as part of the assignment.
Complexity --Patterned. Studies and utilizes information to determine its meaning and identify practical solutions. Although guidelines exist for most situations, this level typically involves multiple choice situations where the guidelines are not as clear.
Line/Staff Authority --Individual Contributor. The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. Positions may explain work processes and train others, serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system, or serve as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
SOCIAL WORKER/GENERAL COUNSELOR III C4L3XX
Concept of Class
The Social Worker / General Counselor III class describes a Work Leader or Individual Contributor. These class concepts are described below under Line/Staff Authority.
This class differs from the Social Worker / Counselor II class on Complexity and Line/Staff Authority.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Process. There is a choice in determining the process to accomplish the work. This choice includes designing the set of operations. Limits are set by professional standards, program objectives, and policies established by higher management. Process level decisions are more theoretical in the sense that positions must evaluate and apply theories and models as part of the assignment.
Complexity --Formulative. Evaluates the relevance and importance of theories, concepts and principles, and tailors them to develop a different approach or tactical plan to fit specific circumstances. Guidelines typically exist but are inadequate. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed because guidelines are relevant only through approximations or analogies to fit particular circumstances.
Line/Staff Authority --Work Leader. Partially accountable for the work product of at least two subordinate FTEs. This includes assigning tasks, monitoring workflow, and scheduling work. Work Leaders provide input into supervisory decisions but do not have direct authority for hiring, terminations, or performance management.
OR;
Individual Contributor. The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. Positions may explain work processes and train others, serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system, or serve as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
SOCIAL WORKER/GENERAL COUNSELOR IV C4L4XX
Concept of Class
The Social Worker / General Counselor IV class describes a Unit Supervisor or Individual Contributor. These class concepts are described below under Line/Staff Authority.
This class differs from the Social Worker / General Counselor III class on Complexity and Line/Staff Authority.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making --Process. There is a choice in determining the process to accomplish the work. This choice includes designing the set of operations. Limits are set by professional standards, program objectives, and policies established by higher management. Process level decisions are more theoretical in the sense that positions must evaluate and apply theories and models as part of the assignment.
Complexity --Formulative. Evaluates the relevance and importance of theories, concepts and principles, and tailors them to develop a different approach or tactical plan to fit specific circumstances. Guidelines typically exist but are inadequate. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed because guidelines are relevant only through approximations or analogies to fit particular circumstances.
OR;
Strategic. Develops guidelines to implement programs that achieve the agency’s mission. Guidelines do not exist in many or most situations. Judgment and resourcefulness are needed to interpret circumstances in a variety of situations and establish guidelines that direct how agency programs will be implemented.
Line/Staff Authority --Unit Supervisor. Positions are accountable, including signature authority, for actions and decisions impacting the pay, status, and tenure of at least three subordinate FTEs. Positions must include providing documentation to support corrective and disciplinary actions, signing performance plans and appraisals, and resolving informal grievances. Positions at this level start the hiring process, interview applicants, and recommend hire, promotion, or transfer.
OR;
Individual Contributor. The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. Positions may explain work processes and train others, serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system, or serve as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
Entrance Requirements
Minimum entry requirements and general competencies for classes in this series are contained in the State of Colorado Department of Personnel website. For purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the essential functions of specific positions are identified in the position description questionnaires and job analyses.
History of Changes Made to Class Description
The following is a summary of changes made to this class description.
- July 1, 2024 (Whole Document)
Effective 7/1/24: Class codes, job evaluation factors, and levels updated as a result of the Social Worker/General Counselor and Addiction Specialist system maintenance study.
Summary of Factor Ratings
| Class Level | Decision Making | Complexity | Line/Staff Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Worker / General Counselor I | Operational | Patterned | Individual Contributor |
| Social Worker / General Counselor II | Process | Patterned | Individual Contributor |
| Social Worker / General Counselor III | Process | Formulative | Individual Contributor or work leader |
| Social Worker / General Counselor IV | Process | Formulative or strategic | Individual Contributor or Unit Supervisor |
Minimum Qualifications
Valid as of: July 1, 2024
This document includes the following levels:
| Class Title | Class Code |
|---|---|
| Social Worker / General Counselor I | C4L1TX |
| Social Worker / General Counselor II | C4L2XX |
| Social Worker / General Counselor III | C4L3XX |
| Social Worker / General Counselor IV | C4L3XX |
SOCIAL WORK/COUNSELOR I (C4L1TX)
Experience Only:
Four (4) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to four (4) years.
SOCIAL WORK/COUNSELOR II (C4L2XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Current, valid Colorado or State participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact licensure as a:
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW) OR
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR
- Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) plus current enrollment in a Masters program for Social Work OR
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Candidate (LMFTC) plus current enrollment in a Masters program for Social Work OR
- Addiction Counselor Candidate (AC-C)
SOCIAL WORK/COUNSELOR III (C4L3XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Current, valid Colorado or State participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact licensure as a:
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW) OR
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) OR
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
One (1) year of experience with current, valid licensure from a state participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact based on the work assigned to the position.
SOCIAL WORK/COUNSELOR IV (C4L4XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Current, valid Colorado or State participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact licensure as:
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW) OR
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) OR
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
Two (2) years of experience with current, valid licensure from a state participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact based on the work assigned to the position.
History of Changes Made to Minimum Qualification
The following is a summary of changes made to this minimum qualification.
- Aug. 1, 2017 (Whole Document)
- Part of the 2017 MQ Project
- New Format
- Aug. 23, 2017 (Whole Document)
Standardized language regarding licensure and removed licenses that require higher level education and experience as substitutions as candidates must meet the MQ to obtain the higher level license
- Oct. 12, 2017 (C4L2XX, C4L3XX, C4L4XX)
Replaced LAC substitution for CAC III requirement per agency feedback noting that some counselors obtain a master’s degree right away, skipping the CAC III certification and going straight for the counseling license. In these cases, candidates would not have obtained the certification prior to the higher level license, so the substitution must be specified.
- Oct. 17, 2017 (C4L2XX, C4L3XX, C4L4X)
Clarified substitutions for general counseling work based on original MQs
- Nov. 6, 2017 (Whole Document)
Made formatting and grammatical changes
- July 1, 2024 (Whole Document)
- Addiction Specialist was removed to create a new class series
- Minimum Qualifications were written for clarity