Family Services Specialist III-Prevention

Virginia Department of Social Services•Chesapeake, VA

About The Position

Conducts CPS Investigations in serious and criminal child abuse cases including, child fatalities and trauma involving serious injury and sexual abuse. Works as part of the Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Team investigating with Law Enforcement and working with the Commonwealth’s Attorney in cases where prosecution is warranted. Links and refers children and families to appropriate services related to child protective services and child welfare. Maintains completed work in CPS meeting the required 45 days’ time frame with some extensions to 60 days. Provides crisis intervention and response in accordance to Structured Decision-making (SDM) guidelines. Completes immediate safety assessments within 24 hours of first contact with the child and family and ongoing safety and risk assessments. Trains and utilizes Structured Decision making (SDM) tools to determine priority response and risk. Day to day tasks include: training and mentoring staff, engaging individuals and families in service planning, linking with appropriate and timely services, and providing referrals and purchased services to enhance family functioning and self-sufficiency. Trained as a Family Partnership Facilitator and assists within child welfare as facilitator of FPM.

Requirements

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT: In order to be evaluated for vacancies in the Family Services Specialist job series, applicants shall possess the qualifications outlined in (1) OR (2) below: 1) A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the human services field, including Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Counseling and Guidance, Counselor Education, Human Services, Sociology, Family and Child Development, Aging Studies, Gerontology, Criminal Justice with a minor in one of the above studies, or other related degrees determined by the Department of Human Resources based on the similarity of the curriculum and course content. 2) A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field accompanied by a minimum of two years of appropriate and related, full-time equivalent experience in a human services related area. To be considered for promotion, persons currently employed in the Family Services Specialist job series by a local department prior to January 1, 1999, who do not meet the qualifications outlined in either (1) or (2) above, must possess four years of appropriate and related experience in a human services area and must have successfully completed all available competency-based training related to the promotional area.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT: In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of four years of appropriate and related, full-time equivalent experience.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES: Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record in compliance with City Driving Standards.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Emergency Duty (On-Call) participation is required to comply with mandated responsibilities as listed under Section 63.2-1503,B; Section 63.2-900; and 63.2-1604-63.2-1610, Code of Virginia. Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term departmental needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Preventive In-Home – Family Assessments and investigations in employment with Local Department of Social Services in Virginia or other states’ Child Protective Services.
3-4 years of experience of case management
Testifies in criminal and civil cases; prepares court ordered home assessments and custody home studies
Conducts intensive in-home counseling
Bachelor’s in Social Services (BSW) and/or Master’s in Social Services (MSW) are preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts CPS Investigations in serious and criminal child abuse cases including, child fatalities and trauma involving serious injury and sexual abuse.
Works as part of the Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Team investigating with Law Enforcement and working with the Commonwealth’s Attorney in cases where prosecution is warranted.
Links and refers children and families to appropriate services related to child protective services and child welfare.
Maintains completed work in CPS meeting the required 45 days’ time frame with some extensions to 60 days.
Provides crisis intervention and response in accordance to Structured Decision-making (SDM) guidelines.
Completes immediate safety assessments within 24 hours of first contact with the child and family and ongoing safety and risk assessments.
Trains and utilizes Structured Decision making (SDM) tools to determine priority response and risk.
Trains and mentors staff
Engages individuals and families in service planning
Links with appropriate and timely services
Provides referrals and purchased services to enhance family functioning and self-sufficiency.
Assists within child welfare as facilitator of FPM.