Family Services Specialist III

Virginia Department of Social Services•Manassas Park, VA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position represents the full performance level responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods and basic service level caseloads of Adult/Adult Protective Services, UAI’s, Children’s Services Act (CSA), Guardianship, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption and Prevention Services. May be responsible for mentoring Family Services Specialists (I-II) and interns. The Family Services Specialist III functions as a lead worker or an expert resource specialist and assumes more complex duties. Duties include interpreting laws, policies and regulations; monitoring, coordinating, and administering specific programs; planning and managing work activities including service delivery, preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; interviewing and assessing customer needs and other relevant factors; informing clients of related service program rules/regulations and right to participate; presenting cases to determine appropriate services and writing/implementing service plans; providing case management services to monitor compliance; tracking expenditures, preparing/submitting budget estimates and ensuring payment for services; completing necessary federal, state, and local planning and reporting requirements; conducting overall monitoring of programs; serving as a resource to clients and the community; providing after hours on-call coverage and responding to emergencies in Child/Adult Protective Services and/or Foster Care; testifying in criminal and civil cases; preparing court ordered home assessments and custody home studies; conducting recruitment activities to engage and enlist prospective resource families for foster care and adoption; and promoting the objectives of CSA. Employees may provide services in all program areas or specialize. Typically, employees perform all tasks independently and only seek supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory review or involvement. This position requires updating/completing assignments, performing home visits, on-call rotation and other tasks associated with Family Services outside of business hours, including holidays. In addition, participation in community events and engagements is mandatory. All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or a Bachelor’s degree in any field with at least three years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area as mandated in Section22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services.
Experience working in CPS or In-Home Services as a Family Services Specialist I or II in a local VA DSS.
Experience working with community partners such as law enforcement, Commonwealth Attorney, Courts, school systems, Community Services Board, medical professionals, Mental Health Providers, and licensing.
Knowledge of Social Work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health problems.
Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to interview, assess needs, counsel, and refer clients to other resources as needed.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement service plans in order to ensure the delivery of appropriate services to the client.
Demonstrated ability to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations.
Demonstrated ability to respond to the client’s emotions in order to accomplish services objectives.
Demonstrated ability to plan and manage work activities including service delivery, preparing reports and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships (i.e. public, community partners, co-workers).
Demonstrated ability to stay abreast of current trends and developments in the Social Work field.
Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license is required, in addition to a driving record that meets agency standards.
Must be willing to participate in community shelter operations during disasters and/or emergencies, in addition to daily intake requirements.
After hours on-call coverage on a rotating basis is required.
Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of experience providing case management services to youth and/or adults. Experience acquired from an internship is acceptable.
Experience in assigned program area(s) and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for optimal performance.
Direct knowledge of Foster Care Child Protective Services / Adult Protective Services policies and procedures.
Experience with agency associated software: OASIS, VACMs, SPIDeR, COMPASS, PeerPlace, Thomas Brothers, CANVaS, NEICE, EPPIC, VEMAT, etc.
Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

Interpret laws, policies and regulations
Monitor, coordinate, and administer specific programs as assigned
Plan and manage own work activities including service delivery, preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities
Interview and assess customer needs and other relevant factors such as education/skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems
Inform clients of related service program rules/regulations and right to participate
Present cases to determine appropriate services and write/implement service plans
Provide case management services to monitor compliance
Track expenditures, prepare/submit budget estimates and ensure payment for services
Complete necessary federal, state, and local planning and reporting requirements
Conduct overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility
Serve as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise
Provide after hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies in Child/Adult Protective Services and/or Foster Care
Testify in criminal and civil cases
Prepare court ordered home assessments and custody home studies
Conduct recruitment activities to engage and enlist prospective resource families for foster care and adoption
Promote the objectives of CSA through ensuring that families and children participate in services that recognize their strengths and meet their needs
Update/complete assignments, perform home visits, on-call rotation and other tasks associated with Family Services outside of business hours, including holidays
Participate in community events and engagements