Family Services Specialist II (Foster Care Unit )- Frederick County, Virginia

Virginia Department of Social Services • Winchester, VA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This position functions as a worker in the Foster Care within the Family Services Unit, which provides direct services to foster care youth and their families by way of fostering and sustaining the social, health, economic, behavioral, and emotional functioning of individuals and families services by the Local Department of Social Services. Staff develops treatment plans which identify needs, services to meet the needs, and the means by which services will be provided either within the agency or through referral to other community resources; represents the agency in both civil and criminal court proceedings which involves interpreting laws, filing petitions, preparing court records, testifying before the court, preparing witnesses for examination, and compiling evidence; provides direct intervention and service delivery for difficult, complex social work cases, and coordinates casework; conducts field visits to residential facilities, consults with therapists and residential staff and participates in the staffing and treatment team meetings; prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services; participates in Family Team Meetings.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in any field and minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).
• 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 personal computer with associated software.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to assess clients’ needs and formulate a plan of action.
• Refer clients to resources as appropriate.
• Must be willing to work outside normal working hours, including being on-call for emergencies.
• Valid driver’s license or can obtain one prior to hiring.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in assigned program area (i.e. Foster Care/Adoption) and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training or experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develops treatment plans which identify needs, services to meet the needs, and the means by which services will be provided either within the agency or through referral to other community resources.
• Represents the agency in both civil and criminal court proceedings which involves interpreting laws, filing petitions, preparing court records, testifying before the court, preparing witnesses for examination, and compiling evidence.
• Provides direct intervention and service delivery for difficult, complex social work cases, and coordinates casework.
• Conducts field visits to residential facilities, consults with therapists and residential staff and participates in the staffing and treatment team meetings.
• Prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services.
• Participates in Family Team Meetings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level