Family Services Specialist III-Prevention

Virginia Department of Social Services•Verona, VA

1d•$55,000 - $57,750

About The Position

The Family Services Specialist III, Prevention is a professional position supervised by a Family Services Supervisor with Shenandoah Valley Social Services, which serves Augusta County and the Cities of Staunton and Waynesboro. The position works in the Prevention Unit with children and families identified through a CPS Investigation or Family Assessment as having high or very high risk of future abuse or neglect, or risk of entering foster care. The employee engages with families to maintain children safely in their homes or with relative or kin caregivers in their communities. The role works across agency programs and with community partners to promote child safety, well-being, and permanency, and accesses appropriate funding sources to provide services that meet family needs. The position requires completion of agency and program-specific training, including emergency shelter duty training, and service in shelters as mandated. After-hours and weekend work, work during inclement weather or other unusual conditions, and overnight travel may be required. Employment is contingent on satisfactory required checks and screenings, including applicable criminal history, Central Registry, driving record, employment, education, and reference checks.

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 and related experience in a Human Services area.
Considerable experience in the assigned program area and completion of required training programs, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of social work principles and practices; factors leading to abuse and neglect; family engagement practices; trauma-informed care; factors contributing to economic, health, and family-relations problems; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services; and community services.
Proficiency with computer software, including Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), Google Email, electronic data, and case management systems.
Skills in data entry; operating computers, printers, scanners, standard office machines, and a multi-line phone system; operating a motor vehicle; time management; interviewing children and families; and providing and accepting feedback.
Ability to plan, organize, and manage work; prepare accurate reports and correspondence; maintain timely documentation; understand and interpret laws, policies, and regulations; and communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to interview and assess needs, engage families, refer clients to resources, and develop and implement service plans.
Ability to make sound judgments within applicable laws, policies, and regulations; respond to children’s and families’ emotions with empathy and objective understanding; and establish effective working relationships with clients, colleagues, agencies, and the public.
Ability to work as part of a team, stay abreast of developments in social work, and gain an understanding of CSA, other service units, and benefit programs.
Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a driving record that meets local agency policy requirements.
Acceptable Central Registry, criminal background, and DMV driving-record results as conditions of employment.
Successful completion of required checks and screenings as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree.
Possession of a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker License.

Responsibilities

Conduct home visits and continually assess safety risk factors and service needs using multiple tools.
Coordinate and participate in Family Partnership Meetings, Child and Family Meetings, and other service-related meetings.
Develop and implement service plans for children and caregivers.
Attend court hearings and testify as needed.
Work with community agencies and service and benefit programs within Shenandoah Valley Social Services to meet family needs.
Document all interactions in a timely manner.
Complete Family Assessments when allegations of abuse or neglect arise on an existing case.
Be available for on-call duties as needed.
Complete required agency and program-specific training, including emergency shelter duty training, and serve in shelters as mandated.
Perform other duties identified as a need for the agency.