Family Services Specialist III

Virginia Department of Social Services•Fork Union, VA

1d•$40,852 - $74,000•Onsite

About The Position

Fluvanna County Department of Social Services is seeking a dedicated Family Services Specialist III for its Child Protection and Prevention team, who is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of children and families. The Family Services Specialist III serves as a lead worker on the team, providing guidance and support to other staff. This role requires advanced knowledge, proficiency, and skill to manage more complex cases and to act as a back-up to the supervisor when needed. This is the specialist level in the class series for Family Services. Employees specialize in program areas and assume more complex duties such as: interviewing/investigating in cases involving suspected child/adult abuse/neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianships, emergency protective orders, and adoptions; testifying in legal proceedings; and placing children in foster/adoptive homes. Employees have contacts with others and influence outcomes by participating on task forces, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching, and conducting outreach. Program areas generally include Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adoptions. Additionally, in some agencies, positions may be partly dedicated to Child Care and Employment Services in addition to other program areas. The Family Services Specialist III is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist IV class by the latter’s functioning as a lead worker, or an expert resource specialist.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of social work principles and practices
Considerable knowledge of human behavior and motivational theory
Considerable knowledge of laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas
Considerable knowledge of investigating and interviewing techniques
Considerable knowledge of legal procedures as related to program area
Considerable knowledge of social, economic, and health problems
Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated software
Skill in the operation of a motor vehicle
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 investigate high risk cases
Demonstrated ability to testify in court proceedings
Demonstrated ability to develop and present training programs and other presentations
Demonstrated ability to interpret program laws, policies and regulations
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client
Demonstrated ability to analyze case information 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 develop speeches and represent the agency on program training and workshops
Demonstrated ability to work in stressful situations and maintain diplomacy
Demonstrated ability to plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others
Demonstrated ability to 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, pre-employment drug screen, CPS and Criminal History Search
Driving record must meet agency standard
The search may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification and references; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks (relevant to employment); and other checks requested by the hiring authority
Employee must be willing to work in community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency

Nice To Haves

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree
Possession of a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license
Experience working in a LDSS with a working knowledge of child protective services, in-home services and/or family support services

Responsibilities

Monitors, coordinates and administers specific assigned programs
Coordinates services within specific area of responsibility
Writes service plans, and presents cases to determine appropriate services
Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services
Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility
Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements
Manages program waiting lists
Provides case management services to monitor compliance
Provides foster care casework services
Trains foster parents; submits progress reports to the court
Refers families to treatment resources within the community
Transports children to placements, meetings, therapy sessions, doctor and dental appointments, and for visitation with families
Attends court, testifies in court and coordinates cases with attorneys
Provides parent education and support for families in target population
Conducts intensive in-home counseling; prepares reports to referral sources regarding status of various interventions
Interviews and assesses clients and assigns to appropriate groups
Informs clients of service programs and the rules and regulations, and right to participate
Conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility
Serves as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise
Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care
Performs investigative duties to include screens referrals for validity
Interviews all parties involved; assesses immediate and long-term dangers/risks to children
Develops written services plan documenting goals, objectives and details of the services provided for each case
Provides program administration and caseload management services
Conducts visits and maintains contact with other professionals
Accompanies victims and their families to court appearances
Serves as support for the family; files petitions
Testifies in criminal and civil cases; prepares court ordered home assessments and custody home studies
Establishes and maintains case records
Codes, enters and updates new and on-going cases in the state computer information system
Represents the agency at various functions such as making speeches at civic and business associations, providing training and workshops on child/adult abuse and neglect for public and private organizations