Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Harrisonburg, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a professional position for Child Protective Services (CPS). The Family Services Specialist I represents entry-level employees working under close supervision while being trained in Child Protective Services, Family Assessment and Investigation cases, on-going cases, and Truancy Cases. This position specializes in program areas such as interviewing/assessing of child abuse/neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianship, emergency protective orders, testifying in legal proceedings and placing children in foster/adoptive homes. Employees have contacts with others and influence outcome by participating on task forces, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching, and conducting outreach.

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; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health problems.
Knowledge of relevant community and public resources that might be needed for foster children.
Skill in operation of a personal computer and the associated software.
Skill in the operation of a motor vehicle.
Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Demonstrates ability to interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed.
Demonstrates ability to investigate high risk cases.
Demonstrates ability to testify in court proceedings.
Demonstrates ability to develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client.
Demonstrates ability to analyze case information to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations.
Demonstrates ability to respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives.
Demonstrates ability to work in stressful situations and maintain diplomacy.
Demonstrates ability to plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports and relationships with others.
Demonstrates 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.
Requires valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license to include driving record that meets agency standard.

Nice To Haves

Prior work experience in a human services field 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.
Experience in assigned program area and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
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; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; and social, economic, and health problems.

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