Family Services Specialist IV

Virginia Department of Social Services • Stony Creek, VA

4d • $62,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This role provides essential psychosocial support and case management services to a diverse client base, including children, families, adults, and vulnerable populations facing various challenges such as abuse, neglect, illness, or crisis. The position also involves leading and mentoring other Family Services staff, assisting with workload distribution, training, and case reviews. The specialist will act as a backup supervisor, ensure timely response to critical reports, and participate in on-call rotations to maintain 24-hour agency coverage. This role handles complex cases requiring crisis intervention, advocacy, assessment, and service planning, and involves preparing detailed documentation for court proceedings, including reports, service plans, home studies, and psychosocial assessments. The specialist will represent the agency in court, conduct field visits, and develop and deliver training to staff, interns, and community stakeholders. Additionally, the role includes supervising social work interns, interpreting policies and regulations, and assisting with program development and evaluation, all while maintaining accurate case documentation.

Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of social work principles, case management practices, and human behavior.
• Knowledge of child welfare, adult services, and human services laws, policies, and regulations.
• Strong assessment, interviewing, counseling, and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to manage difficult and sensitive situations professionally and effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare court documentation and testify in legal proceedings.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to provide leadership, coaching, and training to staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, courts, service providers, and community partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field OR Bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum of two (2) years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services setting in accordance with Virginia regulations.
• Considerable experience in human services or social services programs.
• Experience in leadership or lead worker role.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license
• Experience in Child Protective Services, Foster Care, Adult Services, APS, or related Family Services programs

Responsibilities

• Provides psychosocial support and case management services to children, families, adults, and vulnerable populations experiencing abuse, neglect, illness, crisis, or other social challenges.
• Serves as a lead worker and provides guidance, consultation, mentoring, and support to Family Services staff.
• Assists with staff coverage, workload distribution, training, and case reviews.
• Provides back-up supervision in the absence of the supervisor.
• Ensures timely response and assignment of abuse and neglect reports.
• Participates in on-call rotations and helps ensure 24-hour agency coverage for emergency response.
• Handles complex and high-profile cases involving crisis intervention, advocacy, assessment, service planning, and coordination of services.
• Prepares court reports, service plans, home studies, psychosocial assessments, and other documentation.
• Represents the agency in court proceedings and provides testimony as required.
• Conducts field visits, staffing meetings, and consultations with service providers and community partners.
• Develops and conducts training for staff, interns, and community stakeholders.
• Supervises and mentors social work interns.
• Interprets and applies federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Assists with program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Maintains accurate case documentation and records in compliance with agency standards.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: High-Deductible Health Plan with $0 monthly premium for employee-only coverage and employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
• Retirement: Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) (Plan 1, Plan 2, or Hybrid), including mandatory employee contributions
• Group Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage through VRS equal to 2x annual salary
• Voluntary Benefits: Options including deferred compensation plans, supplemental insurance (AFLAC), optional life insurance, and legal services
• Payroll: Paid semi-monthly

What This Job Offers

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