Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Harrisonburg, VA

6h•$55,000 - $79,088

About The Position

This is an entry-level professional position in Foster Care. The Family Services Specialist I works under close supervision while receiving training in program areas such as Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, and Foster Care/Adoption. The position performs routine entry-level casework activities, which are usually reviewed by a supervisor before case actions are implemented. The specialist interprets laws, policies, and regulations relevant to the assigned area; monitors and administers programs; coordinates services; interviews clients and assesses their needs and circumstances; explains program rules and participation rights; presents cases to determine appropriate services; and develops and implements service plans. The role also provides case management, completes required planning and reporting, monitors programs, and serves as a resource to clients and the community. After-hours on-call coverage and emergency response may be required. The position may also require shelter duty during emergencies or disasters. Applicants are subject to applicable background checks and screenings, and must provide a sealed college transcript and hold a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license meeting agency standards.

Requirements

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 specified 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.
Knowledge of laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas and legal procedures relevant to the program area.
Skill in operating a motor vehicle.
Skill in operating a personal computer with associated software; Microsoft Office is preferred.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel, and refer clients; develop and implement service plans; investigate high-risk cases; testify in court; make sound judgments within applicable laws and policies; respond appropriately to client emotions; manage work activities and records; establish effective relationships; and stay current with social work developments.
Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license, with a driving record meeting agency standards.
Provide a sealed copy of college transcript before employment.
Satisfactory results from required background checks and screenings.

Nice To Haves

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 the assigned program area and completion of required training programs.
Bilingual English/Spanish ability.
Experience as a family services specialist with a local social services agency providing direct services to children and families.
Work experience or an internship in a human services field.

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 to monitor compliance.
Complete required federal, state, and local planning and reporting.
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.
Plan and manage work activities, including service delivery, reports, correspondence, and record keeping.
Investigate high-risk cases and testify in court proceedings, as needed.