Family Services Specialist I/II
About The Position
Family Services Specialist I is an entry-level role performed under close supervision while the employee receives training in program areas such as Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. The employee performs routine-to-journey-level casework, with case actions generally reviewed by a supervisor before implementation. After completing the training program and obtaining necessary approvals, the employee may be redefined as a full-performance Family Services Specialist II and become eligible for a pay increase under the local agency compensation plan. Family Services Specialist II is the full-performance level. Employees develop and implement individualized service plans, applying casework methods in Employment Services and Child Care and providing basic service-level caseload support in Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adoptions. They may serve across all program areas or specialize in one or several. They generally perform tasks independently and seek supervisory advice for unusual situations or when policy or procedure requires review or involvement.
Requirements
- Minimum of a bachelor's degree in a Human Services field, or a bachelor's degree in any field with at least two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area, as mandated by 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 a personal computer with associated software.
- Ability to communicate effectively 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 to ensure delivery of appropriate services.
- Ability to make sound judgments within the framework of applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
- Ability to respond to clients' emotions to accomplish service objectives.
- Ability to plan and manage work activities, including service delivery, report and correspondence preparation, record keeping, and related activities.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
- Ability to stay current with trends and developments in the social work field.
Nice To Haves
- Possession of a BSW or MSW degree.
- Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.
Responsibilities
- Interpret laws, policies, and regulations as they apply to the assigned area of responsibility.
- Monitor, coordinate, and administer assigned programs.
- Coordinate services within the assigned area of responsibility.
- Interview customers and assess their needs and relevant factors, including education or skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems.
- Inform clients about related service-program rules and regulations and their right to participate.
- Present cases to determine appropriate services and write and implement service plans.
- Provide case management services and monitor compliance.
- Manage program waiting lists.
- Track expenditures, prepare and submit budget estimates, and ensure payment for services.
- Complete required federal, state, and local planning and reporting.
- Coordinate with other agencies and participate in multidisciplinary and interagency service teams.
- Monitor programs in the assigned area of responsibility.
- Serve as a resource to clients and the community in the area of expertise.
- Provide after-hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies in child or adult protective services and/or foster care.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
