Family Services Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services • Madison, VA

22d

About The Position

Title Description- Family Services Specialist I (CPS) represents the entry level
employees working under close supervision while being trained in the program
areas of Child Protective Services and In-Home (Prevention) cases. 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.

Title Description- Family Services Specialist II represents the full performance
level in the occupational group for Family Services. Employees are responsible
for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving basic
service level caseloads for Child Protective Services. The Family Services
Specialist II is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist III by the
latter's functioning at the advanced level, and becoming more specialized in
program areas and assuming more complex duties (such as:
interviewing/investigating in cases involving suspected child/adult
abuse/neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianships, emergency protective
orders, and adoptions).

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) –
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;
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; and
Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in
child/adult protective services and/or foster care.

Requirements

• 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 personal computer with associated software.
• 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.
• All applicants are subject to DMV/driving record check, Central Registry (CPS) check and/or criminal history search. The investigation may include fingerprint checks (state Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
• Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and/or a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable but not required.

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
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees