Family Services Specialist I

City of Virginia Beach

9d•$55,494 - $80,995

About The Position

The Virginia Beach Department of Human Services seeks a social work professional to provide case management services for children and families who have been involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations or family assessments. The position works under the supervision of a Human Services Supervisor and includes engaging with families in community settings, assessing child safety and risk, coordinating services, and supporting children’s safety, well-being, and permanency. The role includes responding to allegations of child abuse or neglect after normal business hours and rotating standby-on-call CPS responsibilities. Employees may be expected to work beyond normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs or City-wide emergencies. A current and valid driver’s license is required. For the Family Mediation Unit, Virginia Supreme Court Certification in Family Mediation is required. The position offers a $3,000 hiring bonus for eligible new hires of original full-time employment or reemployment, paid in stages subject to performance evaluations and completion of the probationary period. The City also offers health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays, and paid leave programs.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in a human services field, such as social work, counseling, gerontology, guidance and counseling, family and child development, psychology, or sociology; or a bachelor’s degree in any field plus at least two years of related experience in a human services area.
Current and valid driver’s license.
For Family Mediation Unit positions, Virginia Supreme Court Certification in Family Mediation is required.
May be expected to work beyond normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs or City-wide emergencies.

Responsibilities

Provide case management services to families with complex challenges.
Facilitate team meetings and build positive rapport with children and families served.
Refer clients to Family Assessment & Planning Teams.
Engage with children and families to ensure their specific needs are addressed.
Conduct initial and ongoing assessments of foster homes and foster parents.
Engage clients in community settings, including family homes, schools, and hospitals.
Document client contacts and interactions in digital case management applications.
Consult with supervisors and City attorneys regarding children’s safety, well-being, and permanency.
Assess child safety and risk using structured decision-making tools, interviews, and observations.
Respond to allegations of child abuse or neglect in the community after normal business hours.
Prepare strengths-based service and action plans with families and community partners.
Attend relevant court hearings, prepare court documents, and testify in court hearings.
Perform rotating standby-on-call CPS responsibilities after normal business hours.
Prepare after-care plans in partnership with families.
Present family cases before the Family Assessment & Planning Team (FAPT).