Family Services Specialist III

Virginia Department of Social Services•Boydton, VA

20h•$62,500

About The Position

Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services is recruiting for one Family Services Specialist III position. The role may cover any or all of the responsibilities described, and its focus areas may be adjusted or expanded in response to departmental needs. Family Services Specialist III is the specialist level in the Family Services class series. Employees specialize in program areas and handle complex duties, including investigating suspected abuse or neglect; working with out-of-home placements, guardianships, emergency protective orders, and adoptions; testifying in legal proceedings; and placing children in foster or adoptive homes. Specialists may also participate in task forces and strategic planning, mentor and teach others, and conduct outreach. Program areas generally include Adult and Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adoptions. Some positions may also include Child Care and Employment Services. The Family Services Specialist IV class differs in functioning as a lead worker or expert resource specialist. The position calls for considerable knowledge of social work principles and practices, human behavior and motivation, applicable human-services laws and policies, investigative and interviewing techniques, legal procedures, and social, economic, and health problems. The specialist must be able to communicate effectively, interview and assess clients, investigate high-risk cases, testify in court, develop and present training, interpret program rules, create and implement service plans, analyze case information, manage work and records, maintain effective relationships, and work diplomatically in stressful situations. The job also requires skill operating a personal computer, associated software, and a motor vehicle. Minimum qualifications include 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 human-services experience. Considerable experience in the assigned program area and completion of required training, or an equivalent combination of training and experience, is also required. A BSW or MSW and a Commonwealth of Virginia social worker license are desirable. Applicants must be willing and able to travel overnight, perform after-hours on-call duties, and work within a shelter during a natural or other disaster. A valid Virginia driver's license is required. Employment is contingent on satisfactory fingerprint-based criminal-history and Virginia Department of Social Services Central Registry inquiries; additional employment-related inquiries may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a human-services field, or 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 providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations related to human-services program areas; investigative and interviewing techniques; legal procedures related to the program area; and social, economic, and health problems.
Skill operating a personal computer and associated software, and operating a motor vehicle.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel, and refer clients; investigate high-risk cases; testify in court; develop and present training and presentations; interpret program laws and policies; develop and implement service plans; analyze case information and make sound judgments; respond appropriately to client emotions; prepare speeches and represent the agency in training and workshops; work diplomatically in stressful situations; plan and manage work activities, reports, correspondence, and records; establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay current with social-work trends and developments.
Capacity and willingness to travel overnight.
Capacity and willingness to perform after-hours on-call duties related to child protective services, adult protective services, and foster care.
Capacity and willingness to operate within a shelter environment during a natural or other disaster.
Valid Virginia Driver's License.
Satisfactory fingerprint-based criminal-history and Virginia Department of Social Services Central Registry inquiries; additional employment-related inquiries may be required.

Nice To Haves

BSW or MSW degree.
Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.
Considerable experience in one or more assigned program areas, completion of required training programs, or an equivalent combination of training and experience to engage individuals, families, and communities through case-management services within the practice model.

Responsibilities

Investigate adult and child abuse and neglect reports and complaints; interview and assess strengths and needs, safety, permanency, and well-being.
Provide ongoing case management services in assigned program areas.
Refer clients to and coordinate services within areas of responsibility, informing clients of their right or obligation to participate.
Develop written service plans that document SMARTer goals, objectives, and details of services provided for each case.
Establish and maintain case records.
Conduct field work and home visits, and transport adults and children to placements, meetings, therapy sessions, medical and dental appointments, and family and fictive-kin visits.
Interpret laws, policies, and regulations as they apply to assigned areas of responsibility.
Prepare court-ordered home assessments and custody home studies.
Attend court, testify, and coordinate cases with attorneys.
Practice fiscal management within program constraints.
Provide after-hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies in adult or child protective services and/or foster care.
Maintain positive inter- and intra-agency community relations, including public education related to assigned areas of responsibility and expertise.
Participate in task forces and strategic planning, mentor and teach others, and conduct outreach as needed.