Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Marion, VA

6d•$55,000 - $60,000

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/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. The role involves routine-to-journey-level casework, which is generally reviewed by a supervisor before case actions are 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 position differs from Family Services Specialist II in that the latter works more independently. The specialist interprets applicable laws, policies, and regulations; administers assigned programs; coordinates services; interviews customers and assesses their needs and relevant circumstances; explains program rules and participation rights; presents cases and develops and implements service plans; and provides case management. The role also includes managing waiting lists, tracking expenditures, preparing budget estimates, ensuring payment for services, completing required planning and reporting, coordinating with other agencies and multidisciplinary teams, monitoring programs, and serving as a resource to clients and the community. After-hours on-call coverage and responses to emergencies in child or adult protective services and/or foster care are required. Candidates need knowledge of social work principles and practices, human behavior and motivational theory, and social, economic, and health problems. They must be able to communicate effectively, interview and assess clients, counsel and make referrals, develop and implement service plans, exercise sound judgment within applicable rules, manage their work and records, build effective relationships, and stay current with developments in social work. A bachelor's degree in a human services field is required, or a bachelor's degree in any field plus at least two years of appropriate related human services experience, as mandated by the cited Virginia regulation. A BSW or MSW and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in a Human Services field, or a bachelor's degree in any field plus a minimum of 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.
Ability to interview, assess needs, counsel, and refer clients to other resources as needed.
Ability to develop and implement service plans to ensure delivery of appropriate services.
Ability to make sound judgments within the framework of applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
Ability to respond to clients' emotions to accomplish service objectives.
Ability to plan and manage work activities, including service delivery, reports, correspondence, record keeping, and related activities.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
Ability to stay abreast of current trends and developments in social work.
Ability to provide after-hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies in applicable service areas.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Interpret laws, policies, and regulations as applied 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 required federal, state, and local planning and reporting.
Coordinate with other agencies and participate in multidisciplinary and interagency teams serving customers.
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.