Family Services Specialist II
About The Position
VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. They serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, ensuring that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizens have access to the best services and benefits available to them. The Family Services Specialist II provides assessment of family needs, develops and implements service plans for adults, children, families, the elderly, and the disabled. This role focuses on family preservation and reunification, monitors client progress, plans for adoption and emancipation, and implements court-ordered services.
Responsibilities
- Provides assessment of family needs by developing and implementing service plans to address the needs of adults, children and families, the elderly and the disabled
- Counsels and provides services to individuals and families by focusing on family preservation and family reunification, monitoring progress of clients, planning for adoption and emancipation and implementing court ordered services
- Coordinates the removal of children from endangering situations with the assistance of local police and arranging for alternative living arrangements
- Assures ongoing safety through contact with their caregivers in accordance with department policy
- Performs a wide array of related services
- Attends and coordinates related meetings and seeks to resolve crisis situations for families and individuals regarding personal safety, shelter, food and clothing
- Makes referrals for services by being knowledgeable of local services and resources, working with service providers in the community, serving on interagency service assessment teams, serving as a client advocate in accessing services and working with other agencies such as schools, courts and mental health providers
- Acts as an advocate for clients’ rights
- Assists clients with petitions for custody
- Initiates court petitions
- Attends court hearings and testifies as necessary
- Arranges for withdrawal from and placement in schools, as necessary
- Serves as a liaison to federal, state and local agencies, state communities, professional boards and task force groups
- Collaborates with other agencies to develop and coordinate resources in order to establish effective working relationships
- Remains abreast of current statewide policy initiatives and best practices related to the Human Services field
- Performs other duties as assigned
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
