Family Services Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

The City of Alexandria is bordered by Washington D.C. and the Potomac River, Arlington and Fairfax counties, and Maryland. The small city has a cosmopolitan feel with 150,000 people living within its 15.75 square miles. At the Department of Community and Human Services, we provide essential safety net services to help city residents enjoy a sense of well-being, safety and self-sufficiency. Our behavioral health programs provide compassionate services that support self-determination and recovery. The beauty of our diverse and resilient people and our commitment to race and social equity, coupled with a historic district dating to 1749, charming waterfront, vibrant arts community and unique places for foodies and shopping, make the City of Alexandria a uniquely wonderful place to live, work and play. We invite all qualified candidates to learn more and apply for our Family Services Specialist II (CPS In-Home) position. This the specialist level in the class series for Family Services. Employees specialize in program areas and assume more complex duties such as: interviewing/investigating in cases involving suspected child/adult abuse/neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianships, emergency protective orders, and adoptions; testifying in legal proceedings; and placing children in foster/adoptive homes. Employees have contacts with others and influence outcomes by participating on task forces, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching, and conducting outreach. Programs areas generally include Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adoptions. Additionally, in some agencies, positions may be partly dedicated to Child Care and Employment Services in addition to other program areas. The Family Services Specialist III is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist IV class by the latter’s functioning as a lead worker, or an expert resource specialist. This essential position provides 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 social workers in this position carry Child Protective Services (CPS) In-Home cases composed of both CPS and Prevention cases. Social workers in this position are often the primary clinical case managers providing intensive preventive interventions and case management in coordination with community partners and other professionals. This position is responsible for maintaining timely and accurate records in accordance with federal, state and local policy. Additional responsibilities include written assessments, service plans, oral testimony in court and occasional court reports. The Family Services Specialists II (CPS In-Home) must have an understanding of the continuum of services from the initial CPS referral to the provision of consistent, clinically based, and trauma-informed services. The individual hired for this position 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 and the operation of a motor vehicle.
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.
Some experience in Child Welfare Services.

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.
The FSS II in this position is also responsible for performing 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.