Family Services Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Alexandria, VA

6d•$67,509 - $90,429•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Alexandria's Department of Community and Human Services is seeking a Family Services Specialist II (CPS In-Home) to provide essential safety net services. This position offers clinically based and family-centered services for children, youth, and their families when abuse and/or neglect has occurred, or they are identified as high risk for future maltreatment. The role involves managing Child Protective Services (CPS) In-Home cases, including CPS and Prevention cases, acting as a primary clinical case manager, and providing intensive preventive interventions and case management in coordination with community partners. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate records, conducting written assessments, developing service plans, and providing oral testimony in court. Family Services Specialists II must understand the continuum of services from initial CPS referral to consistent, clinically based, and trauma-informed services. The individual hired may be assigned to perform either CPS Intake or CPS In-Home work duties as needed.

Requirements

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).
Considerable experience in assigned program area and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Considerable knowledge of social work principles and practices.
Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated software.
Skill in the operation of a motor vehicle.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a human services field.
Some relevant experience.
Fluent and bilingual in Spanish and English.

Responsibilities

Conducts comprehensive social work assessments and prepares and implements service plans. Works with clients to develop a plan of service to meet social, health, emotional and economic needs by formulating objectives and identifying actions to resolve concerns for child maltreatment.
Provides direct social work services to overcome client resistance, foster insight, motivate and guide clients toward agreed upon goals and assist clients in the use of community resources.
Advocates for and assists families and individuals in obtaining services (e.g. mental health, substance use, housing, financial assistance, etc.).
Conducts weekly, biweekly or monthly home visits (based on risk level) to assess, provide intervention and monitor safety issues. Identifies safety concerns, and incorporates family protective factors in the mutual development of safety plans when needed.
Leads and facilitates treatment teams with families and community partners composed frequently of mental health and substance use providers, medical professionals and attorneys.
Provides crisis intervention to clients or families when safety or well-being are at risk. Performs emergency removal of children from their homes when required.
Represents DCHS in civil and criminal court proceedings which involves working with City and Commonwealth attorneys in interpreting laws, filing petitions, preparing court reports, preparing witnesses, and testifying before the court.
Maintains timely and current case documentation in the case management system.
Participates and advocates with the City’s Family Assessment and Planning Team to seek recommended services and funding for families.
Performs CPS on-call coverage on a rotating basis during nights and weekends.
Completes child welfare training requirements and participates in ongoing professional development.
Performs other duties as required.