Family Services Specialist III - Child Protective Services (CPS)

Virginia Department of Social Services•Orange, VA

4d•$55,000 - $73,000

About The Position

The Family Services Specialist III is a specialist-level position in the Family Services class series. Employees specialize in program areas and handle complex work involving suspected child or adult abuse and neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianships, emergency protective orders, and adoptions. Duties may include interviewing and investigating, testifying in legal proceedings, and placing children in foster or adoptive homes. The position also involves contact with community members and professionals, and may contribute to task forces, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching, and outreach. Program areas generally include Adult or Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adoptions; some agencies may also assign work in Child Care and Employment Services. Unlike the Family Services Specialist IV, this position is not described as a lead worker or expert resource specialist. The role monitors and administers assigned programs, coordinates services, manages cases and waiting lists, develops service plans, and completes required reporting. In Child Protective Services and related areas, the employee screens and investigates referrals, interviews involved parties, assesses risks to children, provides case management, coordinates community treatment resources, and maintains case records and state system data. The employee may provide foster care casework, train foster parents, transport children, accompany families to court, file petitions, prepare court-related assessments, and testify in civil and criminal proceedings. The specialist may also provide parent education, support, and in-home counseling; prepare reports; conduct client assessments and referrals; provide program information; and represent the agency through presentations, training, and workshops. The position includes after-hours on-call coverage and emergency response in child or adult protective services and/or foster care. Employees must be willing to assist Family Services with care of high-acuity foster care youth and to work in the community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency. Offers are contingent on satisfactory completion of required background and other screenings, and a driving record and valid license must be submitted before the start date if the applicant is being considered for employment.

Requirements

Minimum bachelor's degree in a Human Services field, or a bachelor's degree in any field plus at least two years of appropriate and related Human Services experience, consistent with Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia.
Considerable experience in the assigned program area and completion of required training programs, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Considerable knowledge of social work principles and practices, human behavior and motivational theory, human-services laws and regulations, investigative and interviewing techniques, legal procedures, and social, economic, and health problems.
Skill in operating a personal computer and associated software, and in operating a motor vehicle.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interview, assess, counsel, and refer clients; investigate high-risk cases; and testify in court.
Ability to develop and present training and other presentations; interpret program laws and policies; and develop and implement service plans.
Ability to analyze case information and make sound judgments within applicable laws and policies, respond constructively to clients' emotions, and work diplomatically in stressful situations.
Ability to plan and manage work activities, service delivery, reports, correspondence, and records; establish effective relationships; and stay current with social work trends and developments.
Must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency and assist Family Services with care of high-acuity foster care youth.
Applicants are subject to criminal history, Central Registry, and DMV/driving record checks, which may include fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment and education verification, references, and other checks requested by the hiring authority. Employment offers are contingent on satisfactory screening results.
A driving record and valid license must be submitted before the actual start date if the applicant is being considered for employment.

Nice To Haves

A BSW or MSW degree.
A Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.
Considerable experience in assigned program area or human services programs and completion of required training programs.
Experience with and understanding of agency software programs such as VaCMS, OASIS, and Safe Measures.
Veteran and/or Disabled Veteran status.

Responsibilities

Monitor, coordinate, and administer assigned programs and services.
Write service plans and present cases to determine appropriate services.
Track expenditures, prepare budget estimates, and ensure payment for services.
Interpret laws, policies, and regulations relevant to the assigned program area.
Complete federal, state, and local planning and reporting requirements.
Manage program waiting lists and provide case management to monitor compliance.
Provide foster care casework and train foster parents; submit progress reports to the court.
Refer families to community treatment resources and provide parent education and support.
Transport children to placements, meetings, therapy, medical and dental appointments, and family visits.
Attend court, testify, coordinate cases with attorneys, accompany victims and families to court, and file petitions.
Conduct intensive in-home counseling and prepare reports regarding intervention status.
Interview and assess clients, assign them to appropriate groups, and explain available programs, rules, and participation rights.
Monitor programs and serve as a resource to clients and the community in the area of expertise.
Provide after-hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies in child or adult protective services and/or foster care.
Screen referrals and investigate suspected abuse or neglect; interview involved parties and assess immediate and long-term risks to children.
Develop written service plans documenting case goals, objectives, and services.
Provide program administration and caseload management; conduct visits and maintain contact with other professionals.
Prepare court-ordered home assessments and custody home studies; testify in criminal and civil cases.
Establish and maintain case records, and code, enter, and update cases in the state computer information system.
Represent the agency at functions and deliver speeches, training, and workshops on abuse and neglect.
Assist with care of high-acuity foster care youth and work in the community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency.