Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Harrisonburg, VA

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 role performs routine entry-level casework activities, which are usually reviewed by a supervisor before case action is implemented. The specialist interprets applicable laws, policies, and regulations; monitors and coordinates assigned programs and services; interviews clients and assesses their needs and relevant circumstances; explains service-program rules and clients’ rights; and presents cases to determine appropriate services. The position develops and implements service plans, provides case management, completes required planning and reporting, monitors programs, and serves as a resource to clients and the community. It may include after-hours on-call coverage, emergency response, and shelter duty during emergencies or disasters. Applicants must meet the stated education and experience qualifications, hold a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license that meets agency standards, and provide a sealed college transcript before employment. Employment offers are contingent on satisfactory required checks and screenings, which may include criminal-history, registry, driving-record, drug, fingerprint, employment, education, reference, and other checks. Applications and resumes must be submitted electronically through the specified website; mailed, emailed, faxed, and hand-delivered submissions are not accepted.

Requirements

A 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.
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 related 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 and assess needs; counsel and refer clients; develop and implement service plans; investigate high-risk cases; testify in court; make sound judgments within applicable laws, policies, and regulations; respond to clients' emotions to accomplish service objectives; manage work and related records; establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay current with trends and developments in social work.
Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license with a driving record that meets agency standards.
Provide a sealed copy of college transcript before employment.
Satisfactory results of required background checks and screenings, which may include criminal history, Central Registry, driving record, drug screening, fingerprint checks, employment verification, references, education verification, and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a 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 skills.
Experience as a family services specialist worker 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 or skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems.
Inform clients about related service-program rules and regulations and their right to participate.
Present cases to determine appropriate services and write and implement service plans.
Provide case management services and monitor compliance.
Complete required federal, state, and local planning and reporting.
Conduct overall monitoring of 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.
Investigate high-risk cases, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed, and testify in court proceedings.
Plan and manage work activities, including service delivery, reports and correspondence, and record keeping.