Family Services Specialist III - Child Protective Services (CPS)

Orange County•Orange County, VA

About The Position

The Family Services Specialist III is a specialist-level position in the Family Services class series. The employee specializes in a program area and handles complex duties, including investigating suspected abuse or neglect, arranging out-of-home placements, guardianships, emergency protective orders, and adoptions; testifying in legal proceedings; and placing children in foster or adoptive homes. The position involves contact with others and influencing outcomes through participation in task forces and strategic planning, mentoring, teaching, and outreach. Program areas may include Adult or Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adoptions; some agencies may also assign duties in Child Care and Employment Services. This role differs from the Family Services Specialist IV, which functions as a lead worker or expert resource specialist. The employee monitors, coordinates, and administers assigned programs; provides case management and foster care casework; assesses clients and develops service plans; coordinates referrals and community services; maintains case records and required reports; and represents the agency in court and community settings. The role may include after-hours on-call coverage and responding to emergencies in protective services or foster care. The employee must be willing to work in a community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency and assist Family Services with care of high-acuity foster care youth. Applicants are subject to criminal history, Central Registry, and driving-record checks, which may include fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment and reference verification, education verification, and employment-relevant credit checks. Offers are contingent on satisfactory results. A driving record and valid license must be submitted before the actual start date if the applicant is being considered for employment. Applications must be submitted electronically through the specified website; mailed, emailed, faxed, and hand-delivered applications and resumes are not accepted. Applications and resumes must include complete work history, including periods of unemployment if applicable. The agency is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse workforce.

Requirements

Minimum of 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, as specified in 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 that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Considerable knowledge of social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services; 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 and assess needs; counsel and refer clients; investigate high-risk cases; testify in court; develop and deliver training and presentations; interpret program laws and policies; and develop and implement service plans.
Ability to analyze case information and make sound judgments within applicable laws and policies; respond appropriately to clients' emotions; work under stress and maintain diplomacy; plan and manage work, service delivery, reporting, correspondence, and records; establish effective relationships; and stay current with social work trends and developments.
Willingness to work in the community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency and to assist with care of high-acuity foster care youth.
Satisfactory completion of required background and screening checks; if considered for employment, submission of a driving record and valid license before the actual start date.
Electronic application submission with complete work history, including periods of unemployment if applicable.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Monitor, coordinate, and administer assigned programs and coordinate services within the area of responsibility.
Write service plans and present cases to determine appropriate services.
Track expenditures, prepare and submit budget estimates, and ensure payment for services.
Interpret applicable laws, policies, and regulations; complete federal, state, and local planning and reporting requirements; and manage program waiting lists.
Provide case management to monitor compliance and provide foster care casework services, including training foster parents and submitting progress reports to the court.
Refer families to community treatment resources and provide parent education and support; conduct intensive in-home counseling and prepare intervention status reports for referral sources.
Transport children to placements, meetings, therapy, 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.
Interview and assess clients, assign them to appropriate groups, explain service programs and rules, and inform clients of their right to participate.
Monitor programs in the area of responsibility and serve as a resource to clients and the community.
Provide after-hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies in child or adult protective services and/or foster care.
Screen referrals for validity; interview involved parties; assess immediate and long-term risks to children; and investigate high-risk cases.
Develop written service plans documenting case goals, objectives, and services provided.
Provide program administration and caseload management, conduct visits, and maintain contact with other professionals.
Establish and maintain case records; code, enter, and update cases in the state computer information system.
Represent the agency at functions, deliver speeches, and provide training and workshops on abuse and neglect for public and private organizations.
Work in the community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency and assist Family Services with care of high-acuity foster care youth.