Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Harrisonburg, VA

11d

About The Position

This is a professional, entry-level position within Child Protective Services. The Family Services Specialist I is trained under close supervision to handle Child Protective Services cases, including Family Assessment and Investigation, ongoing cases, and Truancy Cases. Casework activities are typically reviewed by a supervisor before action is taken. Upon completion of training and approval, the employee will be reclassified to a Family Services Specialist II, becoming eligible for a pay increase. This role is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist II by the latter's greater independence. The position specializes in areas such as interviewing and assessing child abuse/neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianship, emergency protective orders, testifying in legal proceedings, and placing children in foster/adoptive homes. Employees will interact with others and influence outcomes through participation in task forces, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching, and outreach. This position may report to the Assistant Director, Child Protective Services Supervisor, or a Senior Worker.

Requirements

Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a human service field or a Bachelor's Degree in any field accompanied by a minimum of two years related experience
Some knowledge of social work principles and practices
Some knowledge of human behavior and motivational theory
Some knowledge of social, economic, and health problems
Knowledge of relevant community and public resources for foster children
Skill in operation of a personal computer and associated software
Skill in the operation of a motor vehicle
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Ability to interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources
Ability to testify in court proceedings
Ability to analyze case information to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations
Ability to respond to the client's emotions to accomplish services objectives
Ability to work in stressful situations and maintain diplomacy
Ability to plan and manage own work activities including service delivery, preparing reports, and relationships with others
Ability to stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field
Demonstrated ability to interview, collect data, gather information and investigate related to Social Service programs

Nice To Haves

Prior work experience in a human services field
Internship in a human services field
Current or prior work experience in a local department of social services office
Proficiency in Microsoft Word
Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker License BSW/MSW
Bilingual English/Spanish
Experience in assigned program area and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience
Experience with a local Department of Social Services, Community Service Board or other agency that provides direct services to children, adults and/or families
Experience working with community partners such as: Police Department, School System, County Administrator, Community Service Board, Community Policy Management Team, Family Assessment Planning Team and Faith Based agencies
Experience working with families, conducting meetings and assessing the strengths and needs of children and families
Working knowledge of social work principles and practices
Working knowledge of human behavior and motivational theory
Working knowledge of laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas
Working knowledge of social, economic, and health problems