Family Services Specialist II (PT-FPM Facilitator)

New LHRC External Career Site•Stafford, VA

About The Position

Title Description- This is the full performance level in the occupational group for Family Services. Employees are responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods in Employment Services and Child Care, and basic service level caseloads of Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, Adoptions. Employees may provide services in all program areas or specialize in one or several program areas. Typically employees perform all tasks independently and only seek supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory review or involvement. The Family Services Specialist II is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist III by the latter's functioning at the advanced level, and becoming more specialized in program areas and assuming more complex duties (such as: interviewing/investigating in cases involving suspected child/adult abuse/neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianships, emergency protective orders, and adoptions). The Family Partnership Meeting (FPM) Facilitator is responsible for scheduling, preparing (including interviewing), facilitating, and documenting FPM's involving the application of casework methods in basic service level caseloads of CPS, In-Home, Foster Care and Adoptions. About working in Stafford County DSS: https://vimeo.com/910172119 Stafford County Website: https://www.staffordcountyva.gov/

Requirements

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area as mandated in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia
Experience in foster care, adoptions, CPS and/or In-home and completion of VDSS training programs or equivalent combination of training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Proficiency with personal computer and associated software to include Microsoft Word.
Ability to meet deadlines and maintain case documentation within a case management system.
Knowledge- 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.
Skills- Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.
Abilities- Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed; develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.

Nice To Haves

Experienced facilitation, de-escalation and re-direction of clients, family members, professionals during FPMs.
Strong verbal and communication skills; skill in interviewing to gather, interpret, and use data appropriately; excellent organization skills; ability to handle multiple tasks and work effectively as a team member.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with families to identify solutions to specific issues and/or challenges such as parenting, behavior management, childcare, financial stability, housing mental health, substance abuse, etc.
Experience assembling information and making written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner.
Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.

Responsibilities

Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility
Works collaboratively with workers, families, supports, service providers and community partners
Coordinates services within specific area of responsibility
Interviews clients through a trauma-informed lens to identify strengths, needs and other relevant factors such as safety concerns, risk factors, adverse childhood experiences, support systems, etc. for the FPM
Manages the daily flow of referrals for Family Partnership Meetings that come in to the Family Services Units and schedules these meetings in a timely manner by following state guidance
Coordinates FPM's by contacting family members, community partners, and agency staff involved in making decisions about the safety, permanency, and well-being of children
Facilitate structured, solution-focused group discussions that empower children and families to voice their concerns while addressing agency-related issues
Documents the Family Partnership Meeting in the state's case management system and distributes a copy to all participants
Assists in providing in-service training to staff and community on best practices for Family Engagement
Tracks statistical information related to Family Partnership Meetings
Performs other duties as assigned to ensure child safety and improve the outcomes in families.