Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Harrisonburg, VA

20h

About The Position

This is a professional position. The Family Services Specialist performs complex tasks providing services in provision areas Adult Services and Adult Protective Services. Duties include: interviewing individuals and investigating allegations of suspected adult abuse, neglect and /or exploitation, reviewing annual guardianship reports, initiating emergency protective order, testifying in legal proceedings, evaluating individuals for waived services, and assisting adults with placement in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Employees have contact with others and influence outcomes by participating on task forces, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching and conduct outreach. This position requires employee to be on-call for evening and weekend emergencies. 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.

Requirements

Knowledge of social work principles and practices
Knowledge of human behavior and motivational theory
Knowledge of social, economic, and health problems
Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software
Ability to communicate effectively both 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 in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client
Ability to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations
Ability to respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives
Ability to plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships
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
Virginia Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one prior to hiring

Nice To Haves

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker License
Prior work experience in a local department of social services office/human services setting/or internship in a human services or social services
Bilingual English/Spanish
Experience working with the elderly, disabled or those with mental illnesses

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