Family Services Specialist I (Child Welfare)

Virginia Department of Social Services•Bedford, VA

11d•$55,000 - $62,445

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/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. Employees perform routine-to-journey-level casework, which is usually reviewed by a supervisor before a case action is implemented. After completing the training program and obtaining necessary approvals, the employee is redefined as a full-performance Family Services Specialist II and becomes eligible for a pay increase under the local agency compensation plan. The role interprets and applies laws, policies, and regulations; administers assigned programs and services; interviews and assesses customers; develops and implements service plans; provides case management; monitors programs and compliance; and coordinates with clients, community resources, and partner agencies. The position may provide after-hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies involving protective services or foster care. Applicants may be subject to criminal history, Central Registry, driving record, and drug-screening checks. The finalist must submit fingerprints and personal descriptive information for the required criminal history record check and Central Registry search. Employment offers are contingent on satisfactory screening results. The employee must be willing to work in a community emergency shelter during a disaster or emergency, may participate in a rotating after-hours on-call schedule, must be able to telework if necessary, and must complete at least two hours of agency-designated community outreach annually at events outside normal office hours. The driving record must meet 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 mandated by Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services.
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 clients, and refer them to other resources as needed.
Ability to develop and implement service plans to ensure appropriate services are delivered.
Ability to make sound judgments within applicable 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 the social work field.
Must meet agency driving-record standards.
Must be able to telework if necessary.
Must be willing to work in a community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency.
May be required to participate in a rotating after-hours on-call schedule.
Must complete at least two hours of agency-designated community outreach annually, at events held outside normal office hours.
Finalist must submit fingerprints and personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a Central Registry search; employment is contingent upon satisfactory required checks and screenings.

Nice To Haves

A BSW or MSW degree.
A Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.

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 customers 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 client 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 teams serving customers.
Monitor programs within 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.
Complete at least two hours of agency-designated community outreach each year.
Work in a community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency when required.