Family Services Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Alexandria, VA

2d•$65,523 - $90,429

About The Position

The Family Services Specialist II serves as an Adult Protective Services (APS) social worker, conducting investigations of alleged abuse, neglect, and exploitation involving adults aged 60 and older and disabled adults aged 18 and older. The role involves complex, high-risk assessments of vulnerable adults, crisis intervention and emergency responses, and specialized case management to address safety and prevent harm. Social workers may provide psychotherapy to clients facing serious challenges such as mental illness, substance abuse, and family dysfunction, and support clients in developing their capabilities. The position independently manages APS cases with supervisory review and consultation to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. It assesses risk factors and contributing causes, then develops interventions that provide maximum protection in the least restrictive manner, based on clients’ immediate and long-term needs. The role also coordinates services and placements, collaborates with community partners and public agencies, and documents investigations, assessments, and treatment plans. As a specialist-level position in the Family Services class series, the role handles complex duties in its program area, including investigations, legal proceedings, service planning, and community engagement. Program areas may include Adult and Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adoptions; this position’s duties focus on Adult Protective Services.

Requirements

At least a bachelor’s degree in a human services field, or a bachelor’s degree in any field plus at least two years of appropriate and related experience in a human services area, as specified by Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia.
Considerable experience in the assigned program area and completion of required training programs, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Considerable knowledge of social work principles and practices.
Considerable knowledge of human behavior and motivational theory.
Considerable knowledge of investigation and interviewing techniques.
Considerable knowledge of social, economic, and health problems.
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 resources as needed.
Ability to investigate high-risk cases.
Ability to develop and implement service plans to ensure delivery of appropriate services.
Ability to work in stressful situations and maintain diplomacy.
Ability to plan and manage work activities, including service delivery, reports, correspondence, recordkeeping, and related duties.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a human services field.
Master’s degree in social work.
Some relevant experience.
Some social work experience.
Experience working with vulnerable disabled adults and seniors in homes, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation programs, residential group homes, vocational programs, or similar settings.

Responsibilities

Receive and respond to Adult Protective Services reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation within the applicable response timeframe.
Respond to emergency complaints, case crises, and potentially dangerous environments, including collaborating with law enforcement when appropriate.
Provide crisis intervention and specialized, intensive case management to elderly and disabled adults to prevent or eliminate abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Coordinate emergency placement in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and other residential programs.
Conduct home visits and investigations to assess needs, provide interventions, and monitor safety.
Conduct joint investigations with state regulatory agencies regarding abuse, neglect, or exploitation in adult residential facilities.
Determine dispositions of abuse and neglect complaints and assess ongoing risks in accordance with state and local policies.
Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments and coordinate with peers and community partners to develop service plans addressing clients’ social, health, and emotional needs.
Use clients’ strengths and needs to guide service planning and empower clients to make changes.
Develop, review, and update treatment plans, including therapeutic interventions, goals, objectives, and service providers.
Complete investigative reports, uniform assessment instruments, service plans, statistical reports, and required documentation in the state data system.
Deliver training and presentations on Adult Protective Services and abuse, neglect, and exploitation to City programs, community organizations, and mandated reporters.
Petition courts for guardianship or conservatorship when needed and provide expert testimony at related hearings.
Recruit and train volunteer guardians and conservators.
Participate in community task forces and committees and conduct outreach.
Provide case management using State and City computer systems to maintain case information.
Assess safety issues, develop safety plans, and implement services.
Revise work schedules as needed to accommodate overtime responses to emergency cases.
Coordinate Long Term Care Medicaid screenings for the Elderly and Disabled Consumer Directed waiver for nursing home placement or personal care at home.
Perform assigned monthly intake duties for Division on Aging referrals and services.
Collaborate with hospitals, nursing homes, detox units, and emergency shelters on safe discharge planning.
Coordinate with housing providers and other resources to address clients’ emergency housing needs.
Coordinate with the mental health team on capacity evaluation requests and crisis situations that may require legal intervention, including Temporary Detention Orders or Emergency Custody Orders.
Maintain the guardianship and conservatorship program database and annual reporting.
Assist clients with applications for federal benefits, including Medicaid, SNAP, Medicare, Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance, Auxiliary Grant, and the Elderly and Disabled Consumer Directed waiver.
Advocate for clients with agencies and community programs to obtain needed resources and assistance.
Document investigations, clinical assessments, and treatment plans and share information with clients, courts, and collateral contacts as appropriate.