Family Services Specialist III-Prevention

Virginia Department of Social Services•Verona, VA

15h•$51,001 - $53,551•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Services Specialist III, Prevention position is a professional role supervised by a Family Services Supervisor within Shenandoah Valley Social Services, serving Augusta County and the Cities of Staunton and Waynesboro. This position focuses on providing social services within the Prevention Unit to children and families identified as high risk for future abuse/neglect or at risk of entering foster care. The employee will work to ensure children remain safely in their homes or with kin caregivers, collaborating with agency programs and community partners to promote child safety, well-being, and permanency. Services will be provided to meet family needs, accessing appropriate funding sources as necessary.

Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field and minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area.
Considerable knowledge of social work principles and practices.
Considerable knowledge of recognition of factors leading to abuse and neglect.
Considerable knowledge of family engagement practices.
Considerable knowledge of trauma informed care.
Considerable knowledge of factors leading to economic, health, and family relations problems.
Considerable knowledge of laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas.
Considerable knowledge of community services.
Proficient use of various computer software programs (Microsoft Office Products including Word and Excel, Google Email, electronic data, and case management systems).
Proficient use of data entry.
Proficient use of operating a computer/laptop, printer, scanner, and a variety of standard office machines (copy scanning, fax machines, and multi-line phone system) and equipment.
Proficient use of a motor vehicle.
Good time management practices.
Ability to interview children and families.
Ability to provide and accept feedback.
Ability to plan, organize and manage own work activities including, preparing accurate reports and correspondence, maintain timely documentation and related activities.
Ability to understand and interpret laws, policies and etmektedir.
Ability to clearly and effectively communicate ideas both orally and in writing.
Ability to interview, assess needs, engage families and refer clients to resources as needed.
Ability to develop and implement service plans in order to ensure the delivery of appropriate services.
Ability to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies and regulations.
Ability to respond to child and family emotions and other issues with empathy and objective understanding in order to accomplish service objectives.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, associates and other social service agencies and the general public.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Ability to stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
Must be able to gain understanding of CSA, other service units, and benefit programs and be able to effectively provide information and respond to questions from groups, clients, case managers, and the general public.
Acceptable Central Registry, Criminal Background, and DMV Driving Records are required as a condition of employment.
Possession of a valid driver’s license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Driving record must meet local agency policy requirements.

Responsibilities

Conducting home visits, continually assessing safety risk factors and service needs using multiple tools.
Coordinating and participating in Family Partnership Meetings, Child and Family Meetings, and other services related to meetings.
Developing and implementing service plans for children and caregivers.
Attending court hearings and testifying as needed.
Working with other community agencies and service and benefit programs within Shenandoah Valley Social Services in order to best meet the needs of the family.
Provide for timely documentation of all interactions.
Complete Family Assessments when allegations of abuse and neglect are present on an existing case and be available for on-call on an as needed basis.
Performing other duties that are identified as a need for the agency.
Completes required agency and program specific training.
Complete emergency shelter duty training and serve in shelters as mandated and required.
Possible after hours and weekend work; work during inclement weather; work during other unusual conditions or overnight travel may be required.