Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services • Manassas Park, VA

26d

About The Position

A Family Services Specialist I represents entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as Adult Protective Services, Adult Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and CSA. Employees are responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans for the programs mentioned above. Employees may provide services in all program areas or specialize in one or several program areas. Employees interpret laws, policies, and regulations as applied to specific areas of responsibility. Informs clients of related service programs rules/regulations, and right to participate. Employees provide after hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care. Performs home visits, and other tasks associated with Family Services outside of business hours, including weekends, and holidays. In addition, participation in community events and engagements is mandatory. All other duties assigned.

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 area as mandated in 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.
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer/laptop with associated software.
• Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel, and refer clients to other resources as needed; develop and implement service plans in order to ensure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to client emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.
• Experience in OASIS.
• Experience working in a Local Department of Social Services.
• Bilingual English/Spanish

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing individualized service plans for Adult Protective Services, Adult Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and CSA programs.
• Interpreting laws, policies, and regulations as applied to specific areas of responsibility.
• Informing clients of related service programs rules/regulations, and right to participate.
• Providing after hours on-call coverage and responding to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.
• Performing home visits, and other tasks associated with Family Services outside of business hours, including weekends, and holidays.
• Participating in community events and engagements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees