Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Harrisonburg, VA

5d•$55,000 - $79,088•Onsite

About The Position

The Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District administers a wide variety of programs and services that assist children, youth, adults, and families, individuals with disabilities, and older adults with basic supports and medical needs as well as services to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. All services are delivered under state and federal mandates or under local initiatives that seek to improve family stability, help families achieve safe and affordable housing, and increase self-sufficiency. Our Vision is better health, safety, and well-being for all. Our mission is people helping people triumph over poverty, abuse, and neglect to shape futures for themselves, their families and communities. This is a professional position. The Family Services Specialist performs complex tasks providing services in provision areas Adult Services and Adult Protective Services. Duties include: interviewing individuals and investigating allegations of suspected adult abuse, neglect and /or exploitation, reviewing annual guardianship reports, initiating emergency protective order, testifying in legal proceedings, evaluating individuals for waived services, and assisting adults with placement in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Employees have contact with others and influence outcomes by participating on task forces, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching and conduct outreach. This position requires employee to be on-call for evening and weekend emergencies. 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.

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; 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.
Virginia Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one prior to hiring.

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.
Prefer prior work experience in a local department of social services office/human services setting/or internship in a human services or social services.
Prefer Bilingual English/Spanish.
Prefer exp. working with the elderly, disabled or those with mental illnesses.

Responsibilities

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; and
Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.