Family Services Specialist I/II (In-Home)

Virginia Department of Social Services•Radford, VA

About The Position

Family Services Specialist I is an entry-level position where employees receive training in program areas such as Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. They perform routine casework activities under close supervision, with casework usually reviewed by a supervisor before action is taken. Upon completing the training program and receiving necessary approvals, the employee is reclassified to Family Services Specialist II, a full-performance role functioning more independently, and becomes eligible for a pay increase. The Family Services Specialist II differs from the I by their ability to function more independently.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field OR Bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area.
Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed.
Ability to develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client.
Ability to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations.
Ability to respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives.
Ability to plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
Ability to stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
Possession of a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards.
Emergency Duty (On-Call) participation is required.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree.
Possession of a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.
Current experience working for Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) or have prior VDSS experience in Child Protective Services (CPS).
Experience in Child Welfare.
Experience or knowledge of OASIS.
Experience writing service plans, reports, or other related types of reports.

Responsibilities

Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility.
Monitors, coordinates and administers specific programs as assigned.
Coordinates services within specific area of responsibility.
Interviews and assesses customer needs and other relevant factors – such as education/skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems.
Informs clients of related service programs rules/regulations, and right to participate.
Presents cases to determine appropriate services and writes/implements service plans.
Provides case management services to monitor compliance.
Manages program waiting lists.
Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services.
Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements.
Coordinates with other agencies and participates in multi-disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers.
Conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility.
Serves as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise.
Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.