Family Services Specialist III-APS

Virginia Department of Social Services•Verona, VA

5d•$51,001 - $53,551•Hybrid

About The Position

This role involves receiving and investigating reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults 60 years of age or older and incapacitated adults age 18 or older. The specialist will assess the adult's physical health, mental health, cognitive functioning, behavior, functional health, environment, financial situation, and formal/informal supports to mitigate risks. Interventions include arranging for health, housing, social, and legal services to maximize functioning and independence and prevent harm. The position also assists in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required.

Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in human services field or minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field and a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area.
Knowledge of social work principles and practices.
Knowledge of the process of aging and geriatrics.
Knowledge of human behavior.
Knowledge of stages of change and motivational interviewing.
Knowledge of effective communication.
Knowledge of crisis intervention.
Knowledge of current social issues and related interventions for issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, food insecurity, substance abuse, healthcare availability, and mental illness.
Knowledge of empowerment theory.
Knowledge of strengths-based assessment and service delivery.
Knowledge of team building.
Knowledge of evidenced-based practices.
Knowledge of abuse, neglect and exploitation and intervention strategies.
Knowledge of service planning, monitoring and evaluation.
Knowledge of community resources.
Knowledge of court procedures.
Knowledge of Virginia laws.
Skills in use of personal computer, hardware and software programs.
Skills in operation of general office equipment and motor vehicle.
Demonstrated ability to review and interpret policy.
Demonstrated ability to identify abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Demonstrated ability to assess risk, safety and capacity.
Demonstrated ability to maintain effective working relationships with clients and professionals.
Demonstrated ability to use evidenced based practices.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with clients who have varying socioeconomic status', cultures, morals, and values.
Demonstrated ability to make appropriate and prompt referrals for a variety of housing, mental health, physical health, legal, substance abuse treatment, and financial services.
Possession of a valid driver’s license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Driving record demonstrating responsible motor vehicle operation practices.
Driving records must meet agency requirements.

Nice To Haves

Willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Responsibilities

Receive and investigate reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults.
Assess the adult's physical health, mental health, cognitive functioning, behavior, functional health, environment, financial situation, and formal/informal supports.
Provide intensive, short-term interventions such as arranging for health, housing, social, and legal services.
Maximize functioning and independence and prevent loss of life or health.
Assist in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required.
Conduct thorough investigations in an individual's home, community, or facility.
Maintain accurate records.
Attend court hearings and provide professional testimony.
Prepare written reports.
Respond to emergency cases to stabilize the situation.
Develop client-centered, solution-focused service plans with the least restriction to the adult's liberty.