Family Services Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Lawrenceville, VA

8d•$38,169•Hybrid

About The Position

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, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. Employees perform routine- to journey-level casework activities and the casework usually is reviewed by the supervisor prior to implementing a case action. Upon completion of the training program and attainment of necessary approvals, the employee shall be redefined to a full-performance Family Services Specialist II and becomes eligible for a pay increase as defined by the local agency compensation plan. The Family Services Specialist I is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist II by the latter’s functioning more independently as a full performance Family Services Specialist. Family Services Specialist II is the full performance level in the occupational group for Family Services. Employees are responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods in Employment Services and Child Care, 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 as mandated in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services.
Considerable knowledge of social work principles and practices, human behavior and motivational theory, and social, economic, and health problems.
Knowledge of laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas and legal procedures as related to program area.
Skill in operating a motor vehicle and possess a valid Virginia driver's license on or before the first of day of employment with a favorable driving record.
Skill in operating a personal computer with associated software; preferably Microsoft Office.
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.
Ability to analyze case information to make sound judgements 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 maintain effective relationships with others and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and/or a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker License.
Previous experience working with social work principles and practices.
Experience with agency associated software.
Experience in foster care and/or child protective services and completion of required training programs.

Responsibilities

Interpreting 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 list.
Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services.
Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements.
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.
Coordinates with other agencies and participates in multi-disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers.