Family Services Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Ruckersville, VA

10d•$55,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Services Specialist II is the full-performance level in the Family Services occupational group. The position develops and implements individualized service plans using casework methods in Employment Services and Child Care, and handles basic service-level caseloads in Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adoptions. Employees may work across all program areas or specialize in one or more. They generally perform tasks independently, seeking supervisory advice for unusual situations or when policies and procedures require review or involvement. This role is distinguished from the advanced Family Services Specialist III, which handles more specialized and complex duties. The position interprets and applies laws, policies, and regulations; administers and monitors assigned programs; assesses client needs; coordinates services; develops and implements service plans; and provides case management. It also involves maintaining waiting lists, tracking expenditures, preparing budget estimates, meeting reporting requirements, coordinating with other agencies, and serving as a resource to clients and the community. After-hours on-call coverage and emergency response may be required in child or adult protective services and/or foster care. The role requires a bachelor's degree in a Human Services field, or a bachelor's degree in any field together with at least two years of appropriate and related Human Services experience. Experience in the assigned program area and required training are preferred. A BSW or MSW and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable. Applicants are subject to background and employment-related checks. The employee must be willing to work in a community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency, including sheltering youth awaiting placement. This is not a teleworking position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field, or bachelor's degree in any field and at least two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area.
Working knowledge of social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; 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.
Ability to interview, assess client needs, counsel clients, and refer them to other resources as needed.
Ability to develop and implement service plans to ensure appropriate service delivery.
Ability to make sound judgments within applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
Ability to respond to clients' emotions to accomplish service objectives.
Ability to plan and manage work activities, including service delivery, reports, correspondence, record keeping, and related activities.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
Ability to stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
Willingness to work in a community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency.
Applicants are subject to DMV/driving record checks, pre-employment drug screening, Central Registry (CPS) checks and/or criminal history searches, which may include fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment and reference verification, education verification, and relevant credit checks.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the assigned program area, such as Foster Care or Adoption, and completion of required training programs, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
BSW or MSW degree.
Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.

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 assigned 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, regulations, and their right to participate.
Present cases to determine appropriate services and write and implement service plans.
Provide case management services and monitor client compliance.
Manage program waiting lists.
Track expenditures, prepare and submit budget estimates, and ensure payment for services.
Complete federal, state, and local planning and reporting requirements.
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.
Work in a community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency, including sheltering youth awaiting placement.