Family Services Specialist III (AS/APS)

Virginia Department of Social Services•Stevensburg, VA

About The Position

This position is dedicated to Adult Services/Adult Protective Services. 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 position is responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans through the application of casework methods for moderate complexity level Adult Services/Adult Protective Services caseloads. The employee independently plans and manages their workload and may assist with the coordination of work activities for subordinate staff by providing guidance, coaching, training, and onboarding support, as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field OR Bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum of two (2) years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area, in accordance with Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia.
Experience in public social work, including work with adults and families, with demonstrated ability to develop and implement service plans.
Experience collaborating with community professionals such as physicians, mental health professionals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health care agencies to support adults and families, resolve problems, and coordinate referrals for services.
Proficiency in the use of personal computers and standard office software, including Microsoft Word.
Experience utilizing at least two (2) of the following systems: PeerPlace, MES, and/or SPIDeR.
Possession of a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, with licensure as a Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Virginia, preferred.
Considerable experience in Adult Services and/or Adult Protective Services, including conducting investigations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
Demonstrated ability to serve as a lead worker by mentoring, training, and guiding staff, while communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
Successful completion of all required Commonwealth of Virginia mandated Adult Services and/or Adult Protective Services training.

Responsibilities

Monitors, coordinates, and administers assigned programs within designated areas of responsibility.
Coordinates services and resources to meet program and client needs.
Tracks expenditures; prepares and submits budget estimates; ensures timely payment for services.
Completes required federal, state, and local planning, documentation, and reporting.
Manages program waiting lists and oversees overall program monitoring.
Interprets and applies applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
Provides program administration and caseload management services.
Writes comprehensive service plans and presents cases to determine appropriate services.
Develops written service plans outlining goals, objectives, and service delivery details.
Provides case management services to monitor compliance and service effectiveness.
Conducts visits and maintains ongoing contact with clients and collaborating professionals.
Refers individuals and families to appropriate community-based treatment and support resources.
Provides foster care casework services.
Trains and supports foster parents.
Submits required progress and status reports to the court.
Transports children to placements, visitations, meetings, therapy sessions, and medical/dental appointments.
Provides after-hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies related to child/adult protective services and foster care.
Attends court hearings, testifies in court, and coordinates cases with attorneys and legal representatives.
Prepares and submits court-related documentation and reports.
Performs investigative duties, including screening referrals for validity.
Interviews clients and all parties involved in reported cases.
Assesses immediate and long-term risks and safety concerns for children.
Conducts client interviews and assessments; assigns clients to appropriate services or groups.
Provides parent education, support, and guidance to families within the target population.
Conducts intensive in-home counseling services.
Prepares and submits reports to referral sources regarding intervention progress and outcomes.
Informs clients of available service programs, participation requirements, and client rights.
Serves as a resource to clients, professionals, and the community within area of expertise.
Maintains collaborative relationships with service providers, agencies, and stakeholders.