Family Services Specialist II- Foster Care/Adoption Worker (Albemarle)

Virginia Department of Social Services•Charlottesville, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs responsible, equitable, and professional casework in an inclusive team environment, applying social work and counseling principles. Uses an asset-based approach to engage clients in developing and implementing individualized service plans in accordance with program policies. Supports clients’ safety, personal, family, social, health, and economic needs and helps clients and families attain their highest level of self-sufficiency. The role involves assessing children and families, developing and implementing psychosocial case plans, providing counseling and case management, and coordinating services. The specialist also works with courts and other agencies to support children’s safety, permanency, and well-being, and completes required planning, reporting, and documentation. The position is not eligible for remote work. Work includes frequent contact with clients and families, often in their homes, including remote rural areas, as well as office-based documentation and data entry. All County staff must maintain residence within Virginia.

Requirements

Minimum bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field, or a bachelor’s degree in any field plus at least two years of appropriate, related experience in a Human Services area.
Experience in the assigned program area and completion of required training programs, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Working knowledge of social work principles and practices; social, economic, and health problems; helping institutions and methods; and individual and group behavior.
Knowledge of child and adolescent growth and development, family structure and dynamics, the impact of physical and mental handicapping conditions on families, and crisis intervention.
Skill in using a personal computer and associated software.
Ability to identify social problems and needs and assess individuals’ and families’ ability to use services in problem solving.
Ability to respect the rights, responsibilities, and differences of others, and to work effectively with individuals and families through counseling and other methods.
Ability to plan and organize work; understand and interpret laws, policies, and regulations; communicate and establish effective working relationships; and prepare reports and maintain records.
Valid appropriate driver’s permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and eligibility under the County’s safe driver policy; the position requires driving.
Must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Position is not eligible for remote work.

Nice To Haves

BSW or MSW degree.
Commonwealth of Virginia Social Work license.
Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Interpret laws, policies, and regulations applicable to the assigned area.
Assess cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning of children and families, and develop and implement psychosocial case plans using psychodynamic, systemic, medical, and social-ecological approaches.
Provide direct counseling using family-systems treatment models to address complex family situations, strengthen families, and prevent family dissolution.
Plan, oversee, and participate directly in court intervention to protect children and achieve safety, permanency, and well-being goals.
Inform clients about service programs, rules, regulations, and their right to participate.
Present cases in supervisory, team, and other settings to determine appropriate services; write and implement service plans.
Provide case management services and monitor service outcomes.
Assess, secure, and monitor eligible financial resources for children, such as Social Security and child support.
Follow funding authorization and service-payment requirements for services provided to children and families.
Complete federal, state, and local planning and reporting requirements, including documentation in OASIS.
Coordinate with other agencies and participate in multidisciplinary and interagency teams.
Serve as a resource to clients and the community in the area of expertise.
Provide rotating after-hours and weekend on-call coverage for emergencies involving suspected child or adolescent abuse or neglect and situations requiring immediate attention for children in the Department of Social Services’ legal custody.
Participate in staffing emergency shelters as required.
Perform other assigned duties.
Drive frequently and work with clients in home settings, including remote rural areas; complete office-based documentation and data entry.
Provide frequent coordination with clients, families, and professionals and representatives of public and private agencies, including schools, courts, and clinics.
Assist physically dependent individuals.