Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Wytheville, VA

7h•$55,000

About The Position

Family Services Specialist I is an entry-level position in which employees work under close supervision while receiving training in program areas such as Adult or Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care and Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. Employees perform routine-to-journey-level casework, which is generally reviewed by a supervisor before case actions are implemented. After completing training and obtaining necessary approvals, the employee may be redefined as a full-performance Family Services Specialist II and become eligible for a pay increase under the local agency compensation plan. This position is specifically for a Child Protective Services Investigator. The role involves interpreting applicable laws, policies, and regulations; coordinating and administering assigned services and programs; interviewing clients and assessing their needs; presenting cases and implementing service plans; providing case management; tracking program activity and expenditures; completing required reports; and coordinating with other agencies and multidisciplinary teams. The employee also serves as a resource to clients and the community and provides after-hours on-call coverage, responding to emergencies in protective services and/or foster care. The successful applicant must have a valid driver's license upon hire and be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. Applicants are subject to criminal history and fingerprint checks, a Central Registry Child Abuse/Neglect search, a DMV driving record check, and a pre-employment drug screen. Applications and resumes must be submitted electronically.

Requirements

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 required by Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services.
Valid driver's license upon hire.
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, assess needs, counsel, and refer clients to other resources as needed.
Ability to develop and implement service plans to ensure delivery of appropriate services.
Ability to make sound judgments within existing 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 abreast of current trends and developments in social work.
Willingness to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
Satisfactory results from required background checks and screenings, including criminal history and fingerprint searches, a Central Registry Child Abuse/Neglect search, a DMV driving record check, and a pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

A BSW or MSW degree.
A Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.
Bilingual ability.
Experience in foster care and adoptions.
Completion of VDSS training programs or equivalent training providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

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 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 required federal, state, and local planning and reporting.
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.