Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Harrisonburg, VA

20d

About The Position

Family Services Specialist I – Kinship Navigator Family Engagement Unit General Statement of Job Under direct supervision, the Kinship Navigator conducts the vetting process for alternative living arrangements (ALA’s) to include the Permanency Assessment Tool, photographed home visits, drug screens, background checks and other local and state required forms. The navigator is responsible for scheduling, completing, reporting back to the staff requesting the ALA and documenting all notes in the child welfare system in a timely manner. Kinship Navigators assist kinship caregivers with understanding and navigating what resources and services are available for children and kinship families. Kinship Navigators need to be well versed in local and state resources available to kinship families. The navigator also helps to train new staff about ALAs and the local and state requirements, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to support families effectively and navigate the complexities of the system. This position is essential. Personnel occupying this position may be scheduled to work regardless of weather conditions and/or when general County offices are closed. While typical office hours are expected, employees must be flexible in meeting the needs of the family’s schedules. Family Services Specialist I represents the entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as, Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/’Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. Employees perform routine- to journey-level casework activities and the casework usually is reviewed by the supervisor prior to implementing a case action. Upon completion of the training program and attainment of necessary approvals, the employee shall be redefined to a full-performance Family Services Specialist II and becomes eligible for a pay increase as defined by the local agency compensation plan. The Family Services Specialist I is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist II by the latter’s functioning more independently as a full performance Family Services Specialist.

Requirements

Knowledge of financial resources available to Kinship Families and the qualification requirements
Knowledge of social, economic and health problems; general knowledge of social institutions and the methods of assistance.
Possess critical thinking skills, ability to apply critical thinking, knowledge, and research to multiple scenarios in the field, as well as an office setting.
Ability to meet deadlines and maintain case documentation within a case management system.
Ability to work collaboratively with families to identify solutions to specific issues and/or challenges such as parenting, behavior management, childcare, financial stability, housing mental health, substance abuse, etc.
Ability to effectively communicate and interact with clients, coworkers, community professionals, supervisors, and members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the department.
Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.
Ability to use independent judgment and work with indirect supervision as situations warrant.
Ability to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency with computers and related software programs.
Ability to write with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar.
Ability to speak with and before others with poise, professionalism and confidence.
Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with an emergency.
Ability to testify and present accurate information in court if subpoenaed due to job responsibilities
Bachelor’s Degree Social Services, Sociology, Human Services, Psychology or closely related field accompanied by a minimum of two (2) years of appropriate and related experience in a human service area as mandated in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services.
Must possess and maintain a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license.
Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and must be able to meet agency insurance policy standards. and/or pre-employment drug screen.
Employee must be willing to work in community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
This position is covered under Code of Virginia §63.2-1601.1 or §63.2-1720 requiring the finalist candidate to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.
Bilingual applicants encouraged.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates knowledge of kinship care, children, and families
Works collaboratively with workers, families, supports, service providers and community partners
Interprets laws, policies, and regulations as applied to specific areas of responsibility.
Ability to assess and address immediate safety concerns
Identifies and addresses barriers to effective service utilization
Documents the Permanent Assessment Tool thoroughly and accurately
Ensures the completion of all necessary checks, applications and forms for ALAs
Assists in running Accurint Searches and other searches requested by the worker and/or supervisor to find additional relatives and contacts them as directed
Assists in providing in-service training to staff and community on ALA requirements locally and statewide
Tracks statistical information related to ALAs
Partners with workers to connect Kinship families to services
Performs other duties as assigned to ensure child safety and improve outcomes in families.