Child and Family Services Specialist

DePaul Community Resources•Christiansburg, VA

3d•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. Empowers 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.
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
Ability to 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
Ability to use 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
Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form
Ability to diffuse and respond effectively to situations involving intense pressures and/or unpredictable persons
Ability to assess individuals and families and refer them to appropriate services
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Ability to understand, implement, and interpret policies and regulations
Ability to manage multiple priorities and complete assignments on time, accurately, and with attention to detail
Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships and appropriate boundaries with individuals served, coworkers, community partners, and business associates
Ability to effectively market the programs and services of the department and the organization
Ability to make arithmetical computations and tabulations
Ability to operate a personal computer with a general understanding of MS Office Suites, virtual meeting software, the Internet, and department or program-specific software
Ability to train others
Ability to 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
Current DMV driving record with results that comply with insurer guidelines
Drug and alcohol screening with satisfactory results stipulated by applicable governing, funding, or regulatory agencies
Criminal and child protective services background report
Shall not have been convicted of any barrier crime(s) on the criminal background report.
Will have no founded disposition of child abuse or neglect as documented by the Child Protective Services background report.

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