Family Services Specialist II - Kinship Family

City of Richmond•Va 23219, VA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Richmond Department of Social Services is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Family Services Specialist II within the Division of Children, Families & Adults’ Kinship Family Unit. The Family Services Specialist will independently perform a variety of tasks in support of identifying best practices in child welfare, inclusive of case management, home assessments and approvals, training and completing assessments. The incumbent will report to the Family Services Supervisor and will work to ensure that the Agency’s practice model is fully embedded and implemented within all units of the division and will also coordinate of special projects and initiatives to further the mission of the City of Richmond Department of Social Services.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge in principles and practices in the human services field, including knowledge of programs, social-economic trends, and behaviors that impact the delivery of human services; and State and local policies and procedures, laws, and regulations.
Demonstrated skills in advocating and counseling; administering individual and family assessments and interpreting results; Interviewing; Case management, including reporting and documenting; Oral/written communication; and conducting forensic interviews.
Demonstrated ability in understanding and interpreting policies, procedures, regulations, and laws; thinking critically; manage time effectively; make sound judgments; problem solve; and analyze, assess, and evaluate data.
Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field OR Bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia)
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.
Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) or more years of Social Work experience working with families
Advanced computer, written and oral communication skills
Knowledge of best practices and policies used throughout the reunification and permanency process
Working knowledge of the Commonwealth of Virginia court system
Proficient crisis intervention techniques and case management skills
Effectively develop relationships among a diverse, socio-economic class of clients
Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish fluently
Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are preferred.

Responsibilities

Performs casework activities
Responds to and investigates complaints, requests for, and referrals to various social services programs
Evaluates case circumstances to determine eligibility/approval for program benefits and services
Prepares case plans, coordinates with service providers, and attends meetings and hearings
Conducts face-to-face interviews
Requests, conducts, and completes a risk/needs assessment to identify required services based on information from the child, individual, family, relatives, schools, churches, family courts, or other agencies
Works with families to formulate service plans, revises plans as needed and monitors provision of services to ensure safety, compliance with court orders, federal/state/local regulations, etc.
As assigned, may investigate reports of child abuse and neglect, documenting results of investigation and completing required forms
Documents results of investigation and completes required forms
Performs case management activities
May include a combination of the following: completes, updates, evaluates, submits, reviews, and maintains required documentation (e.g. service plans, court reports) and case records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with various agencies, court orders, and federal, state, and local regulations
Reads and interprets policies/procedures
Writes letters and referrals
Prepares and completes forms and reports in accordance with local and state regulations
Enters casework activity and client information into database systems and retrieves information as needed
Provides casework counseling and crisis intervention which includes arranging for and monitoring the provision of services to individuals or families, targeted to ameliorate circumstances or to protect individuals unable to protect their own interests
Makes home/school visits to evaluate the home/school environment and monitor progress toward achieving goals
Prepares, reviews, explains, interprets, and executes court orders regarding client placement and social service-related plans
Transports clients to ensure welfare and facilitates delivery of appropriate services
Supervises cases, monitoring progress and compliance with court orders, federal/state/local laws, and department/agency regulations and requirements
Ensures safety and well-being of clients
Establishes and maintains individual case records
Documents client interactions and maintains databases
Reviews and generates reports
Serves as a client advocate
Secures client financial and other support
Authorizes, negotiates, and monitors payments to service providers
Assists in the preparation of legal documents and in initiating legal actions such as motions, notices, petitions, and hearings
Testifies in court and provides documentation
Acts as a liaison and collaborates with various agencies and community partners to which individuals and families can be referred for services such as law enforcement agencies, courts, the medical community, and school personnel in the course of an investigation
May be involved in community outreach activities, providing educational awareness and information to the general public about program requirements and referrals to service providers
May be involved in the initiation of court action when necessary
Other related duties as assigned
City of Richmond Department of Social Services employees are considered essential personnel may be required to work during inclement weather and times of declared emergencies.