Family Services Specialist III-APS

Virginia Department of Social Services • Waynesboro, VA

2d

About The Position

To receive and investigate reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults 60 years of age or older and incapacitated adults age 18 or older in their homes, community and facility settings; stop and reduce the risk of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation through assessment and observation of 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. Assists in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required. KNOWLEDGE OF: Social work principles and practices; process of aging and geriatrics; human behavior; stages of change and motivational interviewing; effective communication; crisis intervention; current social issues and related interventions for issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, food insecurity, substance abuse, healthcare availability, and mental illness; empowerment theory; strengths based assessment and service delivery; team building; evidenced based practices; abuse, neglect and exploitation and intervention strategies; service planning; monitoring and evaluation; community resources; court procedures; Virginia laws. SKILLS IN: Use of personal computer, hardware and software programs; operation of general office equipment and motor vehicle. DEMONSTRATED ABILITY TO : Review and interpret policy; identify abuse, neglect, and exploitation; assess risk, safety and capacity; conduct thorough investigations in an individual's home, community, or facility; maintain accurate records, maintain effective working relationships with clients and professionals; use evidenced based practices; work effectively with clients who have varying socioeconomic status', cultures, morals, and values; make appropriate and prompt referrals for a variety of housing, mental health, physical health, legal, substance abuse treatment, and financial services; 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.

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 (Section 22VAC4-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).
• In the first year of employment, the employee must complete the mandated APS courses.
• The employee must complete 20 hours of continuing education training hours every year thereafter.
• Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen. This investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority. All offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screening.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license in the Commonwealth of Virginia and a driving record demonstrating responsible motor vehicle operation practices. Driving records must meet agency requirements.
• Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
• A Resume must be submitted with the application.
• Applications must include complete work history.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees