Family Services Specialist II- Family Preservation Services Worker (Albemarle)

Virginia Department of Social Services•Charlottesville, VA

About The Position

Performs responsible, equitable, and professional In-Home Services casework in an inclusive team environment, using established social work and counseling principles and policies. The worker uses strengths-based and trauma-informed practices to partner with families facing challenges that place children at high risk of abuse, neglect, foster care, or out-of-home placement. The role aims to prevent recurrence of child abuse or neglect, preserve families, build families’ capacity to provide safe, stable, and nurturing environments, and empower clients and families toward self-sufficiency. The work requires specialized knowledge of department, local, state, and federal policies and responsibility for maintaining case files, including confidential or sensitive records. The position provides clinical case management, conducts assessments, develops and implements family-specific psychosocial case plans, connects families with services and natural supports, and collaborates with community partners and multidisciplinary teams. It also involves case documentation, compliance with laws and reporting requirements, court interventions, frequent travel and driving, and rotating on-call coverage after hours and on weekends for emergencies. Work is performed in homes, including remote rural areas, and in an office; some meetings and administrative work may be completed virtually.

Requirements

At least a bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field, or a bachelor’s degree in any field and at least two years of appropriate, related experience in a Human Services area, consistent with Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia.
Working knowledge of social work principles and practices; current social, economic, and health problems; social institutions and community resources; helping-process methods; individual and group behavior; child and adolescent development; family structure and dynamics; and the effects of physical and mental conditions on families.
Knowledge of crisis intervention and the impacts of trauma, systemic discrimination, and intergenerational disadvantage on children and families, including effective intervention strategies.
Skills in critical thinking, crisis intervention and de-escalation, decision-making, independent judgment, and using a personal computer with associated software.
Ability to identify social problems, client strengths and needs, and individuals’ and families’ ability to use services in problem-solving.
Ability to build rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds; respect others’ rights, responsibilities, and differences; and work effectively with individuals and families toward success.
Ability to plan and organize work, interpret laws, policies, and regulations, communicate effectively, establish working relationships with clients and professional partners, operate a motor vehicle, prepare reports, and maintain records.
Must meet the County’s safe driver policy eligibility requirements.
Must be willing to travel occasionally overnight, work beyond regular hours, and be on call.
May be subject to criminal history and central registry background checks.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the assigned program area and completion of required training programs, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
A BSW, MSW, or related master’s degree.
A Commonwealth of Virginia Social Work license.

Responsibilities

Partner with families receiving In-Home Services to develop and implement family-specific psychosocial case plans that promote child safety, reduce risk, and preserve families.
Provide assessments and services using strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally humble, and family-centered practices.
Provide clinical case management using family-systems treatment models, including ongoing assessment, planning, intervention, collaboration, and evaluation.
Help families access resources and services that reduce risk and build protective capacity.
Use family engagement and family-finding practices to identify and connect children and families with natural supports.
Engage natural support networks and community partners in ongoing case planning.
Participate in multidisciplinary and interagency teams and coordinate services with partners such as schools, the Court Services Unit, Region Ten, and local therapeutic providers through home visits, school visits, and team meetings.
Use critical thinking to make casework decisions and apply laws, policies, and regulations.
Plan, oversee, and participate directly in court interventions to protect children and achieve safety, permanency, and well-being goals.
Maintain thorough case records and required documentation; inform clients of their rights and responsibilities; and follow funding authorization and payment requirements.
Provide rotating after-hours and weekend on-call coverage for emergencies involving child abuse or neglect and urgent situations involving children in the Department of Social Services’ legal custody.
Drive as required, travel occasionally overnight, and potentially assist in managing emergency shelters for the public.
Perform other duties as required.