Family Services Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Covington, VA

6d•$55,000 - $121,183

About The Position

Family Services Specialist I is an entry-level position. Employees work under close supervision while receiving training in program areas such as Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. They perform routine-to-journey-level casework, with casework typically reviewed by a supervisor before a case action is implemented. After completing training and obtaining necessary approvals, employees are redefined as 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 using casework methods in Employment Services and Child Care, and manage 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 and seek supervisory advice for unusual situations or when policies and procedures require review or involvement. This role is distinguished from Family Services Specialist III, which operates at an advanced, more specialized level and handles more complex duties. The position interprets and applies laws, policies, and regulations; administers and monitors assigned programs; assesses client needs; coordinates services; develops and implements service plans; provides case management; manages waiting lists and program expenditures; completes planning and reporting requirements; collaborates with agencies and multidisciplinary teams; and serves as a resource to clients and the community. It also provides after-hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child or adult protective services and/or foster care. VDSS partners with local departments of social services and community organizations to promote the well-being of children and families throughout Virginia. The agency serves alongside state and local human services professionals to help ensure vulnerable residents can access services and benefits.

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; interview and assess needs; counsel and refer clients to resources; develop and implement service plans; make sound judgments within applicable laws, policies, and regulations; respond appropriately to clients' emotions; plan and manage work activities and records; establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay current with developments in social work.
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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 customers 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 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 federal, state, and local planning and reporting requirements.
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.
Develop and implement individualized service plans and manage assigned service caseloads.
Perform casework independently at the full-performance level, seeking supervisory guidance when needed.