Family Services Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services • King William, VA

2h • $55,000 - $79,088 • Hybrid

About The Position

King William County Department of Social Services seeks an energetic and versatile team player, committed to working towards the best outcomes possible for our families in the community to join our agency in a Family Services Specialist position. This position is ideal for candidates who are dedicated, empathetic, and of high character—individuals who find fulfillment in making a lasting impact on the lives of children, families, and vulnerable adults in our community.

As an agency, we believe in the power of the team, exercising creativity and commitment in meeting the needs of our clients and community, and growing our agency and ourselves. Empathy and Work-Life harmony is an agency core value. At King William DSS, we are looking for professionals who want more than a job—a career where empathy, character, and dedication are just as important as education and experience. If you are ready to join a mission-driven team that values flexibility, professional growth, and making a difference every single day, we want to hear from you.

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 as mandated in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services.
• Some knowledge of social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health problems.
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software (Microsoft Office including Word and Excel).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; plan and manage own work activities; and establish and maintain effective relationships.
• Working knowledge of social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; and social, economic, and health problems.
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed; develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
• Finalist candidate must 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 Virginia Child Abuse Central Registry.
• Willingness to work in community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency, or work during unscheduled office closures.
• Must be able to telework if necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of a MSW degree is desirable.
• Experience working directly with diverse groups of clients, co-workers and community agencies, in a criminal justice and/or human services setting.
• Experience working with families that have been impacted by substance abuse disorders and/or generational poverty.
• Working knowledge of the Practice Profiles (Advocating, Assessing, Collaborating, Communicating, Demonstrating Cultural and Diversity Competence, Documenting, Engaging, Evaluating, Implementing, Partnering and Planning).
• Experience working with families to prevent out of home placements.
• Demonstrated ability to provide Court testimony.

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods and basic service level caseloads in one or more program areas of Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adoptions.
• Providing services in all program areas or specializing in one or several program areas.
• Performing all tasks independently and only seeking supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory review or involvement.
• Interviewing/investigating in cases involving suspected child/adult abuse/neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianships, emergency protective orders, and adoptions (primarily for Specialist II).
• Serving in a rotating schedule of on-call for afterhours/weekend coverage of CPS/APS response.
• Interpreting laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility.
• Monitoring, coordinating and administering specific programs as assigned.
• Coordinating services within specific area of responsibility.
• Interviewing and assessing customer needs and other relevant factors – such as education/skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems.
• Informing clients of related service programs rules/regulations, and right to participate.
• Presenting cases to determine appropriate services and writing/implementing service plans.
• Providing case management services to monitor compliance.
• Managing program waiting lists.
• Tracking expenditures, preparing/submitting budget estimates and ensuring payment for services.
• Completing necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements.
• Coordinating with other agencies and participating in multi-disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers.
• Conducting overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility.
• Serving as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise.
• Providing after hours on-call coverage and responding to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.

Benefits

• Flexible Work Hours – designed to promote work-life balance.
• Hybrid Telework Options
• Pay Incentives – available for strong performance and professional growth.
• Professional Development – ongoing training and advancement opportunities.
• Supportive Team Environment – join a department that values character, collaboration, and compassion.

What This Job Offers

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