Family Services Specialist III - CPS

City of Chesapeake (VA) • Chesapeake, VA

49d

About The Position

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families? The City of Chesapeake is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Family Services Specialist III to join our In-Home Services Unit. This unit brings together Child Protective Services Ongoing and Prevention Services to focus on family preservation, safety, and well-being. Our approach supports families across three key scenarios: Children residing in their own homes Children temporarily placed with kin Children in long-term kinship care with ongoing family connections Using integrated, behavior-focused strategies, our team partners with families and community supports to ensure children are safe, families are engaged, and services are effective. Position Summary: As a Family Services Specialist III, you will provide advanced case management and may supervise staff in the delivery of critical human services. You'll support families through complex situations by providing assessments, planning, crisis intervention, and direct services. This role is ideal for professionals who are skilled in navigating challenging dynamics with empathy, accountability, and professionalism. Help us shape brighter futures by supporting families when they need it most. The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure for a full list of benefits and employee perks.

Requirements

• Experience in family services, child welfare, or human services programs
• Strong decision-making, crisis management, and communication skills
• Knowledge of social work principles, trauma-informed care, and legal processes
• Ability to work independently within a supportive team environment
• Flexibility to work after hours when needed to meet urgent service demands
• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in the human services field, including Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Counseling and Guidance, Counselor Education, Human Services, Sociology, Family and Child Development, Aging Studies, Gerontology, Criminal Justice with a minor in one of the above studies, or other related degrees determined by the Department of Human Resources based on the similarity of the curriculum and course content.
• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in any field accompanied by a minimum of two years of appropriate and related, full-time equivalent experience in a human services related area. To be considered for promotion, persons currently employed in the Family Services Specialist job series by a local department prior to January 1, 1999, who do not meet the qualifications outlined in either (1) or (2) above, must possess four years of appropriate and related experience in a human services area and must have successfully completed all available competency-based training related to the promotional area.
• In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of four years of appropriate and related, full-time equivalent experience.
• Requires a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards.
• Emergency Duty (On-Call) participation is required to comply with mandated responsibilities as listed under Section 63.2-1503,B; Section 63.2-900; and 63.2-1604-63.2-1610, Code of Virginia. Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term departmental needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide after-hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies involving child/adult protective services and foster care
• Conduct investigations, screen referrals for validity, and assess both immediate and long-term risks to children
• Develop service plans with clearly documented goals, objectives, and tailored interventions
• Transport children to and from placements, medical appointments, therapy sessions, court, and family visitation
• Prepare and testify in court, coordinate cases with attorneys, and accompany clients to court appearances
• Interview all involved parties, establish and maintain collateral contacts, and gather comprehensive information for case assessments
• Provide program oversight, caseload management, and support to families throughout the service process
• File petitions, prepare home studies, and conduct court-ordered home and custody assessments
• Collaborate with community partners, attend professional workshops, and maintain accurate case records and documentation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support