Family Services Specialist III

Virginia Department of Social Services • Surry, VA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a specialist level in the class series for Family Services. The selected candidate will assume complex duties such as interviewing/investigating in cases involving suspected child abuse/neglect. In addition, the selected candidate will be responsible for out-of-home placements, emergency protective orders, testifying in legal proceedings. The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Family Services Supervisor.

Requirements

• Considerable knowledge of social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; investigating and interviewing techniques; legal procedures as related to program area; and social, economic, and health problems.
• Skills in operating a personal computer and the associated software and the operation of a motor vehicle.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed; investigate high risk cases; testify in court proceedings; develop and present training programs and other presentations; interpret program laws, policies and regulations; develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; analyze case information to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; develop speeches and represent the agency on program training and workshops; work in stressful situations and maintain diplomacy; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; establish and maintain effective relationships with others; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).
• Considerable experience in assigned program area and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• All applicants are subject to DMV/driving record check, Central Registry (CPS) check and/or criminal history search.
• The investigation may include fingerprint checks (state Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
• The Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, coordinate, and administer specific assigned programs.
• Coordinates services within specific areas of responsibility.
• Write service plans and presents cases to determine appropriate services.
• Track expenditures, prepare/submit budget estimates and ensure payment for services.
• Interpret laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific areas of responsibility.
• Manage program waiting lists.
• Provide case management services to monitor compliance.
• Refer families to treatment resources within the community.
• Attend court, testify in court, and coordinate cases with attorneys.
• Provide parental education and support for families in target population.
• Provide after hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.
• Interview all parties involved; assess immediate and long-term dangers/risks to children.
• Develop written services plan documenting goals, objectives and details of the services provided for each case.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior