Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Culpeper, VA

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. The employee performs routine- to journey-level casework, which is generally reviewed by a supervisor before a case action is implemented. After completing the training program and obtaining the necessary approvals, the employee is redefined as a full-performance Family Services Specialist II and becomes eligible for a pay increase under the local agency compensation plan. The role differs from Family Services Specialist II in its closer supervision and less independent work. The position involves interpreting and administering programs, assessing client needs, planning and coordinating services, managing cases, and completing related reporting and administrative work. It may include after-hours on-call coverage and responding to emergencies in child or adult protective services and/or foster care. The employee 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 driving record check, a Central Registry check, and a criminal history check for barrier crimes. Offers are contingent on satisfactory results. Applications must be submitted electronically through the website; mailed, emailed, faxed, and hand-delivered applications and resumes are not accepted. 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.
Some knowledge of social work principles and practices, human behavior and motivational theory, and social, economic, and health problems.
Skill in operating a motor vehicle and a personal computer with associated software.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interview and assess needs; counsel and refer clients to resources; develop and implement service plans; make sound judgments under applicable laws, policies, and regulations; respond effectively to client emotions; plan and manage work activities, service delivery, reports, correspondence, and records; establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay current with social work trends and developments.
Meet local vehicle insurance requirements.
Satisfactory results from required employment, reference, education, driving record, Central Registry, and criminal history checks.

Nice To Haves

A BSW or MSW degree.
A Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.

Responsibilities

Interpret laws, policies, and regulations as they apply to the assigned area of responsibility.
Monitor, coordinate, and administer assigned programs.
Coordinate services within the assigned area of responsibility.
Interview customers 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 services and monitor compliance.
Manage program waiting lists.
Track expenditures, prepare and submit budget estimates, and ensure payment for services.
Complete federal, state, and local planning and reporting requirements.
Coordinate with other agencies and participate in multidisciplinary and interagency service teams.
Monitor programs in the assigned area of responsibility.
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.
Work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.