Family Services Specialist II Child Welfare

Virginia Department of Social Services•Stevensburg, VA

3d•$55,000 - $75,000

About The Position

Family Services Specialist II is the full-performance level in the Family Services occupational group. The employee develops and implements individualized service plans using casework methods and may work across all program areas or specialize in one or more areas. Work is generally performed independently, with supervisory advice sought for unusual situations or when policy requires review or involvement. This role is distinguished from Family Services Specialist III, which operates at an advanced level with greater specialization and more complex duties. The position engages families and individuals in service planning and provides interventions to preserve family units, achieve permanency, and maximize self-sufficiency or functioning. It also includes case management, assessment, program coordination, documentation, court recommendations, and coordination with other agencies and multidisciplinary teams. The role provides after-hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care. The hiring range is $55,000–$75,000, depending on qualifications and budgetary considerations. The employee must have a valid, unrestricted Virginia driver's license, meet agency driving and insurability standards, and live within a one-hour drive of the agency. Rotating after-hours and weekend on-call work is required. The employee may also be responsible for shelter duty during disasters and must be willing to work in a community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency. Employment is contingent on satisfactory required background checks and screenings.

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 and related experience in a Human Services area, consistent with Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia.
Considerable 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.
Knowledge of social work principles and practices, community resources, regulations and mandates regarding child welfare and adult services, human behavior and motivational theory, social, economic, and health problems, and medical/mental disorders and family dynamics.
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 effectively to clients' emotions; manage work and records; maintain effective relationships; and stay current with social work trends.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software and use positive, solution-based approaches to problem solving.
Valid Virginia driver's license without restrictions, with a driving record that meets agency standards by the hire date; must meet the agency's insurability standard.
Must live within a one-hour drive of the agency and be available for rotating after-hours and weekend on-call work.
Must be willing to work in a community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
Finalist must submit to fingerprinting and criminal-history and Central Registry checks; offers are contingent on satisfactory results of required checks and screenings.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.
Current or prior experience working for a Local Department of Social Services in CPS.
Work experience in at least one of the following areas: FC, Adoption, Prevention, CPS, APS, or Adult Services.
Experience testifying in court.
Experience with and understanding of agency software programs such as VaCMS, Peerplace, OASIS, and Safe Measures.
Experience writing service plans, reports, or other related reports.
CAN's Certification, VEMAT Rater, or FPM Facilitator.

Responsibilities

Engage families and individuals in developing service plans and offer interventions to preserve family units, achieve permanency, and maximize self-sufficiency or level of functioning.
Make recommendations to court and ensure documentation, forms, and reports are entered into state systems and completed and maintained according to local, state, and federal requirements.
Interpret laws, policies, and regulations relating to assigned responsibilities.
Monitor, coordinate, and administer assigned programs and coordinate services within areas of responsibility.
Interview and assess customer needs and relevant factors, including education and skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems.
Inform clients about applicable 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 compliance.
Track expenditures, prepare and submit budget estimates, and ensure payment for services.
Coordinate with other agencies and participate in multidisciplinary and interagency teams serving customers.
Monitor programs in assigned areas of responsibility and serve as a resource to clients and the community in areas of expertise.
Provide rotating after-hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.
Perform shelter duty during disasters and work in a community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency.