Family Services Specialist III

New LHRC External Career Site•Berryville, VA

About The Position

The Clarke County Department of Social Services is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Family Services Specialist III. This position will be responsible for functioning as lead worker for subordinate staff, assessing client needs, counseling and assisting clients, determining available programs and services, preparing and maintaining files and records, and preparing reports as requested. The candidate will provide guidance on complex cases in the absence of the supervisor. The candidate will possess an extensive knowledge of the laws, policies and procedures governing Prevention, In-Home and Child Welfare best practices, a thorough knowledge of case management, objectives, practices and techniques of social work and counseling, knowledge of community resources, and a strong ability for collaboration within the team and community. The Family Services Specialist III provides direct intervention and service delivery for difficult, high profile, sensitive, complex social work cases, and coordinated casework. 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.

Requirements

Skill in: operating a personal computer and the associated software; and the operation of a motor vehicle.
Demonstrated ability to: provide guidance and training in program areas to other employees if required in specific assignment; write court reports, home studies, evaluations, mediation agreements, letters, committee reports, presentations, and general information; make clinical judgments, assess clients’ needs, and formulate plan of action; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed; investigate high profile cases; testify in court proceedings; develop and present training programs and other presentations; interpret program laws, policies and regulations; develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; analyze case information to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; develop speeches and represent the agency on program training and workshops; work in stressful situations and maintain diplomacy; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; establish and maintain effective relationships with others; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
Minimum of a bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).
Considerable experience in assigned program area/human services programs and completion of required training programs.
Work experience in a leadership role.
Equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Applicants will be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search and DMV/driving record check.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.
Driving record and valid license must be submitted before actual start date if being considered for employment.
Must be available to work beyond normal work schedules – including on-call rotations, weekends, holidays and nights.
All Clarke County Department of Social Services employees are required to work in a community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Nice To Haves

Considerable experience in assigned program area/human services programs and completion of required training programs.
Equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.
Experience with and understanding of agency software programs such as VaCMS, OASIS, and Safe Measures.

Responsibilities

Works with, supports, and counsels clients through the child protective services process
Prepares assessment studies in the formulation and delivery of service plans
Assists with training and onboarding of entry level Family Services Specialists
Performs case consultations with staff, director, community partners
Address questions and directly assists in preparation for appeals, court, and case audits
Conducts home visits to ensure client safety
Serves as educational liaison in the local school system
Provides after hours, holidays, and weekend on-call coverage.
Serves as backup as the on-call Supervisor, as needed, for after hours and on weekends. Monitors other services staff working after hours for safety, if designated, by supervisor as on-call back up
Serves on committees and work groups as requested
Transports clients to visitation, counseling, parenting, intake appointments, medical and dental appointments and court appearances
Makes referrals for service to ancillary agencies, such as clinics, employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, etc.
Initiates and follows through with court proceedings, procedures, forms, ERO, PPO, foster care mandated guidelines and supervised and unsupervised visits
Conducts home visits and deals with emergency intervention cases/referrals
Interprets agency programs to internal and external customers
Maintains a positive work environment by modeling positive behavior and effective communication Participate in Family Partnership Meetings as the Supervisor, as needed
Provide Supervisory coverage of the team in the absence of the supervisor