Family Services Aide - CPS Investigations (Chesterfield-Colonial Heights)

Virginia Department of Social Services • Chesterfield, VA

2d • $45,723 - $53,724 • Onsite

About The Position

This job announcement is a courtesy job post for the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights local Social Services agency. It is not a position of the Virginia Department of Social Services or any other Commonwealth of Virginia agency. Local employment opportunities may also be available through the local agency’s city or county website/job board(s).

We know you: you're flexible, adaptable and well-organized; compassionate and understanding; assertive and able to make independent decisions. You're committed to the children who need a voice and dedicated to their safety. And you know what? You might be exactly who we're looking for. The Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services is hiring a Family Services Aide to assist the family services staff in child welfare and particularly Child Protective Services.

We’ll be honest- at times you will feel overwhelmed and emotionally drained. The workload is heavy with new cases constantly forming. It’s a stressful job with critical outcomes. So, you must be committed to your clients- the children and their families. But you have a direct impact on the life of a child and their family that lasts a lifetime. When you see a family put their life back together and the child is happy and safe; you realize you may have saved a life- and you’re eager to handle the next case. Being a Family Services Aide isn’t for everyone. But if you are committed to making a real difference in the lives of others and are looking for a career rather than a job, we want you on our team.

Requirements

• High school diploma supplemented with post-secondary coursework in subjects such as social work, human services, gerontology, or one of the social or behavioral sciences, business or related field, and relevant work experience in public administrative support work OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services (including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction).
• Working knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; mathematics and research methods; and eligibility requirements for the programs assigned; and available community resources.
• Some knowledge of laws, regulations, requirements and policies of Local, State, and Federal social, assistance and housing programs.
• Current valid driver's license and good driving record required. Based on the Virginia DMV point system, record must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months. Out of state driving records must be obtained by applicant and presented at time of interview. Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within thirty days of interview date.
• Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.
• A Chesterfield County application is also required and must be submitted online by the deadline.

Nice To Haves

• Excellent organizational, time management, oral/written communication, interpersonal, public relations and supervisory skills preferred.
• Skill in operating a variety of automated office equipment to include calculator, fax/copier; and the use of computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet, graphics and file maintenance programs preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with program participants; plan, organize, and prioritize own work schedule; establish and maintain working relationships with clients, professionals, co-workers, and the public sufficient to exchange ideas and coordinate activities preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to accept direction and follow established procedures; counsel others; organize, and postdate, from records, reports and other sources using the appropriate format; exhibit solid interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution in working with clients, professionals and employees preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist family services staff in child welfare, particularly Child Protective Services.
• Transcribe interviews conducted during the course of investigations and family assessments.
• Assist with redacting and organizing records in response to appeal requests.
• Conduct home visits and attend court hearings at the direction of the family services specialists.
• Provide transportation for adults and children in county vehicle.
• Supervise visits between parents and children.
• Contact collateral individuals to gather information.
• Complete, organize and file paperwork.
• Enter information into computer systems.
• Document all case-related activities in writing.
• Emergency shelter duty is required.
• Perform other work as required.

Benefits

• Attractive benefits package
• Incentives, approved through the Virginia Department of Social Services, to candidates hired who possess additional relevant training, skills and experience (e.g., Masters or Bachelors Degree in Social Work, Masters in Human Services, LCSW, Child Welfare Stipend participants, completion of COVLC new worker training or are Bilingual (Spanish & ASL)).
• Credit towards the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression opportunities and salary incentives, as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications, and experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED