Family Services Specialist III

Virginia Department of Social Services•Bristol, VA

5d•$55,000 - $65,000

About The Position

This is the specialist-level position in the Family Services class series, specializing in Foster Care/Adoption. The role handles complex duties involving suspected child or adult abuse and neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianships, emergency protective orders, and adoptions. The specialist may interview and investigate cases, testify in legal proceedings, and place children in foster or adoptive homes. The position also participates in task forces and strategic planning, mentors and teaches others, and conducts outreach. Unlike a Family Services Specialist IV, this role is not described as functioning as a lead worker or expert resource specialist. The specialist monitors, coordinates, and administers assigned programs and services; provides case management and foster care casework; develops service plans; and manages program and caseload activities. The position works with clients, families, community treatment resources, courts, attorneys, and other professionals. It also maintains case records and state-system entries, prepares reports and planning documents, and represents the agency through community presentations and training. After-hours on-call coverage and responses to emergencies in child or adult protective services and/or foster care are included among the illustrative duties.

Requirements

Minimum 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 providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Considerable knowledge of social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations related 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, assess needs, counsel, and refer clients; investigate high-risk cases; testify in court; and develop and deliver training and presentations.
Ability to interpret program laws, policies, and regulations; develop and implement service plans; analyze case information and make sound judgments within applicable laws and policies; and respond effectively to clients' emotions.
Ability to work in stressful situations while maintaining diplomacy; plan and manage work activities, service delivery, reports, correspondence, and records; establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay current with social work trends and developments.

Nice To Haves

A BSW or MSW degree.
A Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.

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 laws, policies, and regulations applicable to the assigned area.
Complete federal, state, and local planning and reporting requirements and manage program waiting lists.
Provide case management services to monitor compliance and provide foster care casework services.
Train foster parents and submit progress reports to the court.
Refer families to community treatment resources and provide parent education and support.
Transport children to placements, meetings, therapy, medical and dental appointments, and family visits.
Attend court, testify in legal proceedings, coordinate cases with attorneys, accompany victims and families to court, and file petitions.
Conduct intensive in-home counseling, prepare reports to referral sources, and interview and assess clients for appropriate group assignments.
Inform clients about service programs, rules, regulations, and their right to participate.
Monitor programs and serve as a resource to clients and the community in the area of expertise.
Provide after-hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies in child or adult protective services and/or foster care.
Develop written service plans documenting case goals, objectives, and services provided.
Conduct visits and maintain contact with other professionals.
Prepare court-ordered home assessments and custody home studies; testify in criminal and civil cases.
Establish and maintain case records; code, enter, and update new and ongoing cases in the state computer information system.
Represent the agency at functions, give speeches, and provide training and workshops on child or adult abuse and neglect.