Family Services Specialist III-APS

Virginia Department of Social Services•Verona, VA

7h•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 investigation will occur in homes, community, and facility settings. The primary goal is to stop and reduce the risk of adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation through comprehensive assessments of the adult's physical health, mental health, cognitive functioning, behavior, functional health, environment, financial situation, and formal/informal supports. The position requires providing intensive, short-term interventions, such as arranging for health, housing, social, and legal services, to maximize functioning and independence and prevent loss of life or health. Assistance in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required is also part of the duties.

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.
Ability to review and interpret policy.
Ability to identify abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Ability to assess risk, safety and capacity.
Ability to conduct thorough investigations in an individual's home, community, or facility.
Ability to maintain accurate records.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with clients and professionals.
Ability to use evidenced based practices.
Ability to work effectively with clients who have varying socioeconomic status', cultures, morals, and values.
Ability to make appropriate and prompt referrals for a variety of housing, mental health, physical health, legal, substance abuse treatment, and financial services.
Ability to attend court hearings and provide professional testimony.
Ability to prepare written reports.
Ability to respond to emergency cases to stabilize the situation.
Ability to develop client-centered, solution focused service plans with the least restriction to the adult's liberty.
Possession of a valid driver’s license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Driving record demonstrating responsible motor vehicle operation practices.
Willingness 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 60 years of age or older and incapacitated adults age 18 or older.
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.

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