Family Services Specialist I/II (Kinship)

Virginia Department of Social Services • Marion, VA

5d • $55,000 - $60,000

About The Position

This is a grant-funded position focused on Kinship services. The Family Services Specialist I is an entry-level role where employees are trained 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 training and gaining necessary approvals, the employee is redefined as a Family Services Specialist II, eligible for a pay increase. The Family Services Specialist II is the full-performance level, responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans using casework methods in Employment Services and Child Care, and managing basic caseloads in Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adoptions. Employees at this level may work across all program areas or specialize. They typically perform tasks independently, seeking supervisory advice only for unusual situations or when policies require it. The Family Services Specialist II is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist III by the latter's advanced level of functioning, specialization, and handling of more complex duties like investigations of suspected abuse/neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianships, emergency protective orders, and adoptions.

Requirements

• Knowledge of social work principles and practices.
• Knowledge of human behavior and motivational theory.
• Knowledge of social, economic, and health problems.
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle.
• Skill in operating a personal computer with associated software.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area as mandated in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services.
• Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.
• The investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
• This position is covered under Code of Virginia 63.2-1601.1 or 63.2-1720 requiring the finalist candidate to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.
• All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.
• Employees must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of a BSW or MSW degree.
• Possession of a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.

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.

What This Job Offers

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