Family Services Specialist III - Child Protective Services (CPS)

Virginia Department of Social Services•Orange, VA

About The Position

The Family Services Specialist III is a specialist-level role in the Family Services class series. Employees specialize in program areas and handle complex duties, including investigating suspected child or adult abuse and neglect, supporting out-of-home placements, guardianships, emergency protective orders, and adoptions; testifying in legal proceedings; and placing children in foster or adoptive homes. The role involves contacts with others and influencing outcomes through task forces, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching, and community outreach. Program areas may include Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adoptions, and in some agencies may also include Child Care and Employment Services. The specialist monitors, coordinates, and administers assigned programs and services; manages cases and caseloads; investigates referrals and assesses risks; develops service plans; coordinates community resources; maintains case records and state system entries; and prepares reports. Duties may include foster care casework, foster parent training, court reports and testimony, transportation of children, intensive in-home counseling, client and family support, and after-hours on-call emergency response. The position may represent the agency at community functions and provide training and presentations. The role is distinguished from Family Services Specialist IV, which functions as a lead worker or expert resource specialist. Applicants are subject to background and screening checks. Employees must be willing to work in a community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency and assist Family Services with high-acuity foster care youth.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in a Human Services field, or a bachelor's degree in any field plus at least two years of appropriate, related experience in a Human Services area, 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; applicable human services laws, policies, 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 programs and presentations; interpret program requirements; and develop and implement appropriate service plans.
Ability to analyze case information and make sound judgments within applicable laws, policies, and regulations; respond appropriately to clients' emotions; and work under stress while maintaining diplomacy.
Ability to plan and manage work activities, service delivery, reports, correspondence, record keeping, and related responsibilities; build effective relationships; and stay current with developments in social work.
Willingness to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
Willingness to assist Family Services with care of high-acuity foster care youth.
Satisfactory completion of required background and screening checks; a valid license and driving record must be submitted before the start date if considered for employment.

Nice To Haves

A BSW or MSW degree.
A Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.
Experience with and understanding of agency software such as VaCMS, OASIS, and Safe Measures.
Veteran and/or Disabled Veteran status.

Responsibilities

Monitor, coordinate, and administer assigned programs and coordinate services within the area of responsibility.
Write service plans, present cases to determine appropriate services, and develop plans documenting case goals, objectives, and services.
Track expenditures, prepare and submit budget estimates, and ensure payment for services.
Interpret applicable laws, policies, and regulations and complete required federal, state, and local planning and reporting.
Manage program waiting lists and provide case management to monitor compliance.
Provide foster care casework services, train foster parents, and submit progress reports to the court.
Refer families to community treatment resources and provide parent education and family support.
Transport children to placements, meetings, therapy sessions, medical and dental appointments, and family visits.
Attend court, testify, coordinate cases with attorneys, accompany victims and families to court, file petitions, and prepare court-ordered home assessments and custody home studies.
Conduct intensive in-home counseling, interview and assess clients, and assign clients to appropriate groups.
Inform clients about service programs, rules, regulations, and their right to participate.
Investigate referrals, interview involved parties, and assess immediate and long-term dangers and risks to children.
Conduct visits and maintain contact with clients and other professionals.
Provide after-hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies in child or adult protective services and/or foster care.
Maintain case records and 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.