Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Harrisonburg, VA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

This is a professional position within the Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District, which administers a wide variety of programs and services to assist children, youth, adults, and families, individuals with disabilities, and older adults. The district aims to provide basic supports and medical needs, as well as services to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Services are delivered under state and federal mandates or local initiatives focused on improving family stability, achieving safe and affordable housing, and increasing self-sufficiency. The vision of the district is better health, safety, and well-being for all, with a mission to help people triumph over poverty, abuse, and neglect to shape futures for themselves, their families, and communities.

Requirements

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.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client.
Demonstrated ability to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations.
Demonstrated ability to respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives.
Demonstrated ability to plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
Demonstrated ability to stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
Virginia Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one prior to hiring.
Successful candidate will undergo a criminal history, CPS, and DMV check and possess a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.
Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker License.
Prior work experience in a local department of social services office/human services setting/or internship in a human services or social services.
Bilingual English/Spanish.
Experience working with the elderly, disabled or those with mental illnesses.

Responsibilities

Performs complex tasks providing services in provision areas Adult Services and Adult Protective Services.
Interviews individuals and investigates allegations of suspected adult abuse, neglect and /or exploitation.
Reviews annual guardianship reports.
Initiates emergency protective orders.
Testifies in legal proceedings.
Evaluates individuals for waived services.
Assists adults with placement in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Participates on task forces, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching and conducts outreach.
Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility.
Monitors, coordinates and administers specific programs as assigned.
Coordinates services within specific area of responsibility.
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.
Presents cases to determine appropriate services and writes/implements service plans.
Provides case management services to monitor compliance.
Manages program waiting lists.
Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services.
Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements.
Coordinates with other agencies and participates in multi-disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers.
Conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility.
Serves as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise.
Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.