Family Services Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Lancaster, VA

3d•$55,000

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. Employees perform routine casework activities under close supervision, with actions typically reviewed by a supervisor. Upon completion of training and necessary approvals, the employee is reclassified to Family Services Specialist II, becoming eligible for a pay increase. Family Services Specialist II is the full-performance level. Employees are 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 may specialize in certain program areas and typically work independently, seeking supervisory advice only for unusual situations or when policy requires it. This level is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist III by the latter's advanced functioning, greater specialization, and assumption of more complex duties such as 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
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 effective relationships
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

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