Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Culpeper, VA

6d•$55,000

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 or Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care and Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. Employees perform routine-to-journey-level casework, generally subject to supervisor review before case actions are implemented. After completing the training program and receiving necessary approvals, the employee is redefined as a full-performance Family Services Specialist II and may become eligible for a pay increase under the local agency compensation plan. The role is distinguished from Family Services Specialist II by its closer supervision and less independent practice. The position carries out casework and program duties in an assigned area, including assessing client needs, coordinating and monitoring services, developing service plans, and completing program administration and reporting. It may include after-hours on-call coverage and responses to emergencies involving child or adult protective services and/or foster care. Employees must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency and meet local vehicle insurance requirements. Applicants are subject to employment and reference verification, education verification, a DMV/driving-record check, a Central Registry check, and a criminal-history check for barrier crimes under Virginia law. Employment offers are contingent on satisfactory screening results. Applications must be submitted electronically through the website; mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications and resumes are not accepted. The position is non-exempt. Culpeper Human Services is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

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 to clients.
Ability to make sound judgments within existing 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 current with trends and developments in social work.
Satisfactory employment and reference verification, education verification, DMV/driving-record check, Central Registry check, and criminal-history check for barrier crimes are required.
Must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
Must meet local vehicle insurance requirements.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is desirable.
A Commonwealth of Virginia social worker license is desirable.

Responsibilities

Interpret laws, policies, and regulations as they apply to the assigned area.
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 and 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 to monitor 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 in the assigned area.
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.