Family Services Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Covington, VA

About The Position

The Family Services Specialist I is an entry-level employee who works under close supervision while training in program areas such as Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. The role performs routine- to journey-level casework activities, which are generally reviewed by a supervisor before case actions are implemented. After completing training and obtaining necessary approvals, the employee is redefined as a full-performance Family Services Specialist II and becomes eligible for a pay increase under the local agency compensation plan. The Family Services Specialist II is the full-performance level. Employees develop and implement individualized service plans and apply casework methods in Employment Services and Child Care, as well as basic service-level caseloads in Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adoptions. They may serve across all program areas or specialize in one or more. They generally perform tasks independently, seeking supervisory advice for unusual situations or when policy and procedures require review or involvement. The position interprets and applies laws, policies, and regulations; administers and coordinates programs and services; assesses client needs; develops and monitors service plans; manages program waiting lists and related expenditures; completes planning and reporting; coordinates with other agencies; monitors programs; and serves as a resource to clients and the community. The role also provides after-hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child or adult protective services and/or foster care. Applicants must upload a resume to be considered. Minimum qualifications, preferred qualifications, and special requirements are referenced on a website, but details are not included in the supplied posting.

Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in a Human Services field, or a bachelor's degree in any field plus 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 clients, assess needs, counsel them, and refer them to other resources as needed.
Ability to develop and implement service plans to ensure delivery of appropriate services.
Ability to make sound judgments within 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, reports and correspondence, record keeping, and related tasks.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
Ability to stay current with trends and developments in the social work field.
Upload a resume to be considered.

Nice To Haves

A BSW or MSW degree.
A 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 clients and assess their needs and relevant factors, including education and skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems.
Inform clients about related service-program rules, regulations, and their rights to participate.
Present cases to determine appropriate services and write and implement service plans.
Provide case management services and monitor client 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.
Conduct overall monitoring of 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.
For Specialist I, perform casework under close supervision and participate in training; casework is generally reviewed before case actions are implemented.
For Specialist II, independently develop and implement individualized service plans and perform assigned casework, seeking supervisory advice for unusual cases or when required by policy or procedure.