Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Harrisonburg, VA

18h

About The Position

This is an entry-level professional position in Child Protective Services. The employee 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 program areas involving assessment and investigation of child abuse or neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianship, emergency protective orders, testimony in legal proceedings, and placement of children in foster or adoptive homes. Employees interact with others and may influence outcomes through participation in task forces and strategic planning, as well as mentoring, teaching, and outreach. The position may report to an Assistant Director, Child Protective Services Supervisor, or Senior Worker.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human service field, or a bachelor’s degree in any field accompanied by at least two years of related experience, as specified in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia.
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, and refer clients to other 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 existing laws, policies, and regulations.
Ability to work in stressful situations while maintaining diplomacy.
Ability to plan and manage work activities, service delivery, report preparation, and professional relationships.
Ability to interview, collect data, gather information, and investigate matters related to Social Service programs.
Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and a driving record that meets agency standards.
Provide a sealed copy of college transcript before employment.
Applicants may be subject to criminal history, Central Registry, driving record, and/or pre-employment drug screening, as well as other employment-related checks. Offers are contingent on satisfactory results.

Nice To Haves

Prior work experience or an 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 skills.
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, and/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

Interview and assess cases involving child abuse or neglect and investigate high-risk cases.
Work with Family Assessment and Investigation cases, ongoing cases, and truancy cases.
Support out-of-home placements, guardianship, and emergency protective orders.
Testify in legal proceedings and place children in foster or adoptive homes.
Interview clients, assess needs, provide counseling, and refer clients to resources as needed.
Develop and implement service plans to ensure appropriate services are delivered.
Analyze case information and make sound judgments within applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
Respond to clients’ emotions while working toward service objectives.
Plan and manage work activities, including service delivery, report preparation, and relationships with others.
Participate in task forces and strategic planning, and conduct mentoring, teaching, and outreach.
Stay informed about current trends and developments in social work.
Collect data, gather information, and conduct investigations related to Social Service programs.