Child and Family Services Specialist

DePaul Community Resources • Christiansburg, VA

4d • $22 - $24 • Hybrid

About The Position

DePaul Community Resources seeks a full-time (37.5 hour work week) CFS Specialist in the Christiansburg location. Practices responsible, professional community social work and provides case management services in accordance with established social work principles. Supports and assists clients and families with personal, family, and social growth. Empower the client/family to the highest level of self-sufficiency. Provides comprehensive casework services to children, adolescents, and families on their assigned caseload. The position is assigned to an on-call rotation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related fields such as psychology, sociology, special education, or counseling. A baccalaureate degree in any other field may be considered.
• Minimum related work experience in relevant profession(s) required (in addition to the formal education checked above) for the job—two years of experience in providing casework services to children and families.
• Knowledge of Attachment theory, trauma, and impact on child/adolescent development
• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, organizational policies and procedures and state licensing requirements
• Working knowledge of the social, economic, health, and/or disability concerns or problems of an individual and the foster family or birth family within the community
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
• Knowledge of methodologies and resources used to assess the needs of the listener or audience to share information or engage in ongoing communication
• Give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
• Verbal and written communication and body language that conveys information, ideas, or inquiries effectively and concisely that purveys professional composure, emotional intelligence, thoughtfulness, patience, and respect amidst change, ambiguity, and within the daily trajectories of work
• Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written form
• Diffuse and respond effectively to situations involving intense pressures and/or unpredictable persons
• Assess individuals and families and refer them to appropriate services
• Work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Understand, implement, and interpret policies and regulations
• Managing multiple priorities and completing assignments on time, accurately, and with attention to detail
• Developing and maintaining professional working relationships and appropriate boundaries with individuals served, coworkers, community partners, and business associates
• Effectively market the programs and services of the department and the organization
• Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
• Make arithmetical computations and tabulations
• Operate a personal computer with a general understanding of MS Office Suites, virtual meeting software, the Internet, and department or program-specific software
• Train others
• Assist with the general upkeep and cleaning of office areas and agency vehicles
• Demonstrate self-awareness, ongoing self-evaluation, and a commitment to being part of a diverse, equitable, respectful, and inclusive workplace where all people are valued
• Demonstrate professional composure in difficult and stressful situations
• Demonstrate the FIRST (fairness, integrity, respect, safety, trust) values in the daily trajectories of work
• Demonstrate professionalism regarding access to sensitive and confidential information related to employees, clients, and business records with no disclosure to others without needing to know

Nice To Haves

• Applicants not meeting the 2-year requirement may be considered as trainees.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with youth and young adults in foster care, kinship care, and IL programs
• Develop and assist with planning monthly IL groups that align with IL Skills Assessments
• Inform the IL Specialist of the young adult’s progress towards the achievement of IL goals
• Respond to all prospective foster parent inquiries
• Gather all information needed for assessment and study of potential foster families.
• Provide support, consultation, and educational direction for foster parents and kinship caregivers with respect to the needs of each child placed in their home, helping them to improve their ability to care for the child
• Maintain accurate and timely case record entries into the electronic software database
• Ensure continuity of care is provided to the youth, IL young adults, and provide supervision of birth/adoptive family visits
• Assist with placement referrals for foster care and independent living.
• Provide on call services as scheduled, which includes support to foster families, kinship care, and IL young adults
• Ensure reports are completed by required deadlines.
• Assists in providing transportation as needed for participants in the foster care and IL program
• Ensure compliance with Minimum Standards, program and policies and procedures, child abuse reporting requirements, and the Code of Virginia

Benefits

• Compensation depends on qualifications and experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level