Family Services Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Amherst, VA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Amherst County Department of Social Services is accepting applications for the Family Services Specialist position. Family Services Specialist positions are not exclusive to one program area. Employees with this job title may serve in any of the following program areas: Child Protective Services, Adult Services/Adult Protective Services, Foster Care and Adoption. The starting salary for this position is $55,000 (Commensurate with Experience). Amherst County offers a generous benefit package which includes participation in the Virginia Retirement System, employer paid life and disability insurance, paid holidays, annual leave and sick leave, affordable medical, dental and vision insurance, etc. Employees may be eligible for telework after satisfactory meeting probationary requirements and at the discretion of the department. Telework schedules vary based on the needs of the agency. Positions may be filled as a Family Services Specialist I or Family Services Specialist II depending on experience of the successful candidate. Family Services Specialist I represents the entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as, Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, and Foster Care/Adoption. Employees perform routine to journey-level casework activities and the casework usually is reviewed by the supervisor prior to implementing a case action. Family Services Specialist II represents the full-performance level employees in the occupational group for Family Services. Employees are responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods and basic service level caseloads of Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, Adoptions. Employees may provide services in all program areas or specialize in one or several program areas. Typically employees perform all tasks independently and only seek supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory review or involvement.

Requirements

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 (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia)
Working knowledge of social work principles and practices
Working knowledge of human behavior and motivational theory
Working knowledge of laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas
Working knowledge of social, economic, and health problems
Skill in operating a personal computer
Skill in the operation of a motor vehicle
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
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), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.
May be required to report for shelter duty during community disasters and/or emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Experience commensurate with Family Services Specialist II level

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