Family Services Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Surry, VA

18h

About The Position

This is the full performance level in the occupational group for Family Services. Employees are responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods and basic service level caseloads of Adult/Adult Protective Services. Employees may provide services in all program areas or specialize in one or several program areas. Typically, employees perform all tasks independently and only seek supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory review or involvement. The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Family Services Supervisor.

Requirements

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.
Skills in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed; develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
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.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.

Responsibilities

Interpret laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific areas of responsibility.
Monitor, coordinate, and administer specific programs as assigned.
Coordinate services within specific areas of responsibility.
Interview and assess customer needs and other relevant factors – such as education/skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems.
Inform clients of related service programs rules/regulations, and right to participate.
Present cases to determine appropriate services and write/implement service plans.
Provide case management services to monitor compliance.
Manage program waiting lists.
Track expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services.
Complete necessary federal, state, and local planning and reporting requirements.
Coordinate with other agencies and participates in multi-disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers.
Conduct overall monitoring of programs in specific areas of responsibility.
Serve as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise; and
Provide after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.