Family Services Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services • Stafford, VA

4d • $64,438 - $73,798

About The Position

The Family Services Specialist II is a full-performance role responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans using casework methods. This position focuses on service-level Foster Care and Adoptions caseloads. Employees typically perform tasks independently and seek supervisory guidance for unusual situations or when policy and procedure require review or involvement. The role is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist III, which handles advanced, more specialized, and complex duties.

The position involves interpreting and applying laws, policies, and regulations; coordinating and monitoring assigned programs and services; assessing client needs; providing case management; and completing program planning, reporting, and administrative work. The employee also coordinates with agencies and multidisciplinary teams, serves as a resource to clients and the community, and provides after-hours on-call coverage and emergency response as required.

The employee must be willing to work in a community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency and provide after-hours on-call services for Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, and Foster Care. A valid driver's license, or the ability to obtain one before hiring, is required. Employment is contingent on satisfactory background and pre-employment screening results.

Requirements

• 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.
• Experience in public social work, working with adults and families, and demonstrated ability to develop and implement service plans.
• Proficiency with a personal computer and associated software, including Microsoft Word.
• Working knowledge of social work principles and practices, human behavior and motivational theory, laws and regulations relating to human services programs, and social, economic, and health problems.
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle and a personal computer with associated software.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interview and assess needs; counsel and refer clients; develop and implement service plans; make sound judgments within applicable laws and policies; respond appropriately to clients' emotions; plan and manage work activities and records; establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay current with developments in social work.
• Completion of required training programs, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Possess a valid driver's license or be able to obtain one before hiring.
• Willingness to provide after-hours on-call services for CPS, APS, and Foster Care.
• Willingness to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
• Satisfactory results from required criminal-history, Central Registry, DMV/driving-record, and pre-employment drug/alcohol screenings; the investigation may also include fingerprint checks, employment verification and references, relevant credit checks, and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in Foster Care, Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, or In-Home Services in a local Virginia Department of Social Services.
• Experience working with community professionals, including physicians, mental health professionals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health care agencies, to help adults and families resolve problems and obtain referrals.
• Experience working with community partners such as law enforcement, Commonwealth Attorney, courts, school systems, Community Services Boards, medical professionals, mental health providers, and licensing agencies.
• A BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.
• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Interpret laws, policies, and regulations as they apply to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Monitor, coordinate, and administer assigned programs.
• Coordinate services within the area of responsibility.
• Interview clients and assess their needs and relevant factors, including education and skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems.
• Inform clients about related service-program rules and regulations and their right to participate.
• Present cases to determine appropriate services and write and implement service plans.
• Provide case management services and monitor compliance.
• Manage program waiting lists.
• Track expenditures, prepare and submit budget estimates, and ensure payment for services.
• Complete required federal, state, and local planning and reporting.
• Coordinate with other agencies and participate in multidisciplinary and interagency service teams.
• Monitor programs in the assigned area of responsibility.
• Serve as a resource to clients and the community in the area of expertise.
• Provide after-hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies in child or adult protective services and/or foster care.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level