Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Rocky Mount, VA

About The Position

Family Services Specialist I represents the entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as, Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. 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.

Requirements

Some knowledge of social work principles and practices
Some knowledge of human behavior and motivational theory
Some knowledge of social, economic, and health problems
Skill in operating a motor vehicle
Skill in operating a personal computer with associated software
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Demonstrated ability to interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client
Demonstrated ability to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations
Demonstrated ability to respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives
Demonstrated ability to plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships
Demonstrated ability to stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field
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

Nice To Haves

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree
Possession of a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license

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
Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services
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