Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Roanoke, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Roanoke is seeking a Family Services Specialist to conduct Child Protective Services investigations. The CPS Investigator will assess and investigate allegations of child abuse and/or neglect while providing needed services to at-risk families and children. This role involves close collaboration with various ancillary agencies to enforce child protective services laws and provide required/requested services to families in need. The specialist will plan and coordinate needed services for individuals and families, making appropriate referrals to other agencies as necessary. Responsibilities include preparing court affidavits/reports, testifying in court, maintaining a CPS caseload, and completing routine paperwork within required timeframes. The position requires the ability to multi-task, respond to crisis situations professionally and in a timely manner, and act as a team player willing to assist co-workers. Participation in a rotating after-hours beeper team for emergency CPS/APS/Foster Care situations is also required. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. The City of Roanoke is committed to diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment that respects and celebrates differences.

Requirements

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.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as laws, policies, regulations, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to respond effectively to inquiries orally and in writing.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
If you do not have a Drivers License issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia, you must submit a certified copy of your driving record issued by the DMV from your previous state of residence with your application.
Must be willing to work outside normal work hours and respond to both routine and emergency situations.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Conduct Child Protective Services investigations.
Assess and investigate allegations of child abuse and/or neglect.
Provide needed services to at-risk families and children.
Collaborate with various ancillary agencies to enforce child protective services laws.
Plan and coordinate needed services for individuals and families.
Make appropriate referrals to other agencies as necessary.
Prepare court affidavits/reports and testify as needed.
Maintain CPS caseload and complete routine paperwork in time frames required by Virginia State Code.
Respond to crisis situations in a timely and professional manner.
Act as a team player willing to assist co-workers.
Participate in a rotating after-hours beeper team that responds to emergency CPS/APS/Foster Care situations.
Interview clients to assess the nature and extent of needs.
Identify problems, counsel with clients, and confer with supervisor in preparing social studies for service plans.
Maintain records through the course of client's service relationships.
Make referrals for services to agencies such as clinics, employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, etc.
Perform work with agencies such as juvenile and domestic relations courts, circuit courts, etc.
Provide protection and care to abandoned, abused, and neglected children and adults on a regular and emergency basis in potentially dangerous situations.
Work with abusive or neglecting parents and families to help effect changes in family situations, usually in a family home setting.
Make decisions to remove children from dangerous situations and recommendations regarding institutionalization of adults and children.
Study homes for day care, foster care, or adoption placement.
Maintain case records and prepare written reports of services, findings, and actions.
Serve as agency representative on a variety of multi-disciplinary teams.
Share a 24-hour on-call rotation.