Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Harrisonburg, VA

1d•$55,000 - $79,088

About The Position

This is an entry-level professional position in Child Protective Services. The Family Services Specialist I works under close supervision while receiving training in Child Protective Services, including Family Assessment and Investigation cases, ongoing cases, and truancy cases. The role may specialize in interviewing and assessing child abuse or neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianship, emergency protective orders, testifying in legal proceedings, and placing children in foster or adoptive homes. The position also involves contacts with others and influencing outcomes through participation in task forces, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching, and outreach. The position may report to the Assistant Director, a Child Protective Services Supervisor, or a Senior Worker. The Virginia Department of Social Services works with local departments, faith-based organizations, and nonprofit organizations to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. The position is with Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field, or a bachelor’s degree in any field accompanied by at least two years of related experience.
Some knowledge of social work principles and practices, human behavior and motivational theory, and social, economic, and health problems.
Knowledge of relevant community and public resources that may be needed for foster children.
Skill operating a personal computer and associated software, and operating a motor vehicle.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to interview, assess needs, counsel clients, and refer them to resources as needed.
Ability to investigate high-risk cases and testify in court proceedings.
Ability to develop and implement service plans and analyze case information within applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
Ability to respond to client emotions, work in stressful situations, and maintain diplomacy.
Ability to plan and manage work activities, service delivery, report preparation, and relationships with others.
Demonstrated ability to interview, collect data, gather information, and investigate matters related to social services programs.
Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and a driving record that meets agency standards.
A sealed copy of a college transcript must be provided before employment.
Applicants may be subject to criminal history, Central Registry, motor vehicle/driving record, and/or pre-employment drug screening. Required checks may include fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification and references, education verification, and employment-related credit checks. Offers are contingent on satisfactory screening results.

Nice To Haves

Prior work experience or an internship in a human services field.
Current or prior experience in a local department of social services office.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker License.
BSW or MSW.
Bilingual English/Spanish ability.
Experience in the assigned program area and completion of required training programs, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Experience with a local Department of Social Services, Community Service Board, or another agency providing direct services to children, adults, or families.
Experience working with community partners such as police departments, school systems, county administrators, Community Service Boards, Community Policy Management Teams, Family Assessment Planning Teams, 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; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; and social, economic, and health problems.

Responsibilities

Work on Child Protective Services Family Assessment and Investigation cases, ongoing cases, and truancy cases.
Interview and assess reports and cases involving child abuse and neglect.
Address out-of-home placements, guardianship, and emergency protective orders.
Testify in legal proceedings.
Place children in foster and adoptive homes.
Interview clients, assess needs, counsel them, and refer them to resources as needed.
Investigate high-risk cases and gather information related to social services programs.
Develop and implement service plans to ensure appropriate services are delivered to clients.
Analyze case information and make sound judgments within applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
Respond appropriately to clients’ emotions and work diplomatically in stressful situations.
Plan and manage work activities, service delivery, report preparation, and relationships with others.
Participate in task forces, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching, and outreach.
Stay current with trends and developments in the social work field.
May be required to provide after-hours on-call coverage and report for shelter duty during emergencies or disasters.