Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Lynchburg, VA

About The Position

Performs responsible professional work in recognizing and supporting the power of individuals and families to speak about their well-being, find solutions, and continue to grow as a family. This position will work on the behalf of a client, family and/or community, communicating with decision makers, and initiating actions to secure or enhance a needed service, resource or benefit.

Requirements

To be hired a candidate must possess a baccalaureate degree in the human services field; or a baccalaureate degree in any field accompanied by a minimum of two years appropriate and related experience in a human services related area.
Individuals who do not meet the degree requirement at the time of application for employment must be in their last semester of a degree program in a human services field.
Possession of valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record according to City criteria.
Must satisfactorily complete criminal background check, drug and alcohol screen and Child Protective Services Registry check.
Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment.
May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.

Responsibilities

Makes comprehensive assessment of families/clients in crisis
Analyzes needs and coordinates resources, which will support the family/client
Develops and implements a plan of action for the family/client which directly involves family/client input
Engages family/client and community in problem solving, conflict resolution and achieving goals in order to resolve the crisis
Stabilizes and improves family/client living and interpersonal skills through counseling and referrals to collateral resources
Executes complex and critical decisions involving families/clients in crisis, under possible adverse conditions
Performs scheduled and unscheduled field visits in frequently highly volatile and dangerous environments
Participates in extensive networking and collaboration with community and professional agencies, both public and private
Provides analysis, recommendations and testimony in complex court proceedings, which requires thorough assessment and documentation of the family/client's situations; assists in formulating recommendations on difficult and important technical problems relating to the court action
Interprets, implements and administers complex policies, regulations, and laws, and refines established complex procedures which require frequent independent thinking and resourcefulness in a complex environment
Assists in the evaluation of programs and services rendered to families/clients
Processes financial documentation related to family/client services
Interprets agency programs to other agencies, community groups, and associations
Identifies homes suitable for placement of children and adults
Researches and develops community resources, gives presentations, and participates in interagency meetings such as FAPT, eligibility, and IEP meetings with schools
Transports clients to medical and mental health appointments
Assists in the operation of emergency shelters
Provides coverage for child protective services intake duties when necessary
Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned
When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery