Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Bristol, VA

About The Position

This position in our Child Protective Services unit doing investigations and family assessments. Family Services Specialist I represents the entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in Child Protective 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. 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- Some knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health problems.
Skills- Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.
Abilities- 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 insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client's 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.
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.
Must be able to perform after hours on call duties a minimum of one week a month.
Must be able to staff an emergency shelter during natural disasters or weather events.
Must possess a Bachelor's degree (see Education and Experience) or be within three months of completion before applying.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to Child Protective Services
Completes interviews with victim children, alleged abusers and all pertinent collaterals
Engages family members to assess safety and wellbeing of children
Completes Safety Assessments and Risk Assessments within established time frames
Implements Safety Plans as needed
Collaborates with family members, service providers and collaterals to schedule and participate in Family Partnership Meetings
Documents all types of communications and interactions
Coordinates services for children and families
Interviews and assesses customer needs and other relevant factors – such as education/skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems.
Informs clients of related service programs rules/regulations, and right to participate
Coordinates with other agencies and participates in multi-disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers
Serves as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise
Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child protective services a minimum of one week a month
Must be able to staff an emergency shelter during natural disasters or weather events.