Family Services Specialist II- Foster Care/Adoption Worker (Albemarle)

Virginia Department of Social Services•Charlottesville, VA

3d•$74,258 - $82,075•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Services Specialist II performs responsible, equitable, and professional casework in an inclusive team environment, using established social work and counseling principles. The specialist uses an asset-based approach to engage clients in developing and implementing individualized service plans, and supports clients with safety, personal, family, social, health, and economic needs to help them attain self-sufficiency. In the Foster Care/Adoption program, the specialist assesses children and families, develops and implements psychosocial case plans, provides counseling and case management, and monitors service outcomes. The role includes court intervention to protect children and achieve safety, permanency, and well-being, as well as coordination with agencies and multidisciplinary teams. The specialist completes required planning, reporting, and OASIS documentation; helps secure eligible financial resources; and serves as a resource to clients and the community. The position involves frequent driving and work with the public, often in homes and remote rural areas, as well as office-based documentation and data entry. It is not eligible for remote work. The specialist provides rotating after-hours and weekend on-call coverage for emergencies and may participate in emergency shelter staffing. All County staff must reside in Virginia.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in a Human Services field, or a bachelor's degree in any field plus at least two years of appropriate, related experience in a Human Services area.
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.
Working knowledge of social work principles and practices.
Knowledge of social, economic, and health problems; institutions and helping-process methods; and individual and group behavior.
Knowledge of child and adolescent growth and development, family structure and dynamics, the impact of physical and mental conditions on families, and crisis intervention.
Skill using a personal computer and associated software.
Ability to identify social problems and needs and assess individuals' and families' ability to use services in problem solving.
Ability to respect the rights, responsibilities, and differences of others.
Ability to counsel and use other methods to help individuals and families solve problems.
Ability to plan and organize work.
Ability to understand and interpret laws, policies, and regulations.
Ability to communicate and establish effective working relationships with clients, coworkers, professional and technical staff, social agencies, and the public.
Ability to prepare reports and maintain records.
A valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia; must drive and meet County safe-driver-policy eligibility requirements.
Must be able to assist physically dependent individuals.
Must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Nice To Haves

A BSW or MSW degree.
A Commonwealth of Virginia Social Work license.
A master's degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Interpret laws, policies, and regulations relevant to the assigned area.
Assess the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning of children and their families, and develop and implement psychosocial case plans using multiple intervention approaches.
Provide direct counseling using family-systems treatment models to strengthen families and prevent family dissolution.
Plan, oversee, and participate in court interventions to protect children and achieve safety, permanency, and well-being.
Inform clients about relevant service programs, rules, regulations, and their right to participate.
Present cases in supervisory, team, and other settings; determine appropriate services; and write and implement service plans.
Provide case management and monitor service outcomes.
Assess, secure, and monitor financial resources for which a child may be eligible, such as Social Security and child support.
Follow funding authorization and service-payment requirements for services provided to children and families.
Complete federal, state, and local planning and reporting requirements, including documentation in OASIS.
Coordinate with other agencies and participate in multidisciplinary and interagency service teams.
Serve as a resource to clients and the community in the area of expertise.
Provide rotating after-hours and weekend on-call coverage for child abuse or neglect emergencies and other situations requiring immediate attention for children in the Department of Social Services' legal custody.
Participate in staffing emergency shelters as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.