Family Services Specialist - Adult Protective Services

Virginia Department of Social Services•Suffolk, VA

20h•$55,368 - $66,751

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Family Services Specialist facilitates, coordinates, and provides counseling and case management across social work programs administered by the City Social Services Department. The position’s primary designation is in the Adult Protective Services (APS) Program, with potential assignments in Prevention, Intake, APS, and Foster Care. Cross-training in other Family Services Division areas is required, and the incumbent may be expected to work throughout the division as needed. The role may coordinate specific services and be responsible for daily activities and outcomes. Work includes screening clients and explaining social service programs; assessing and addressing client needs; counseling clients; arranging or helping clients access human services; maintaining case records; and preparing reports. The specialist conducts APS investigations of elder abuse and neglect, completes mandated training and duties within required timeframes, interviews applicants, assesses eligibility for assistance, verifies information, explains programs and client rights and responsibilities, and refers clients to appropriate programs and agencies. The position requires organizing a caseload, maintaining confidential files, using computer systems for data entry and file maintenance, conducting research and preparing reports, and maintaining contact with clients, including home visits as necessary. The employee must remain on call for emergency after-hours duties and be willing to perform disaster-related assignments, including emergency shelter duty. Other related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

A 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, consistent with Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia.
Experience, typically 1–2 years, 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.
Valid driver’s license.
Working knowledge of social work principles and practices, human behavior and motivational theory, and social, economic, and health problems.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle and a personal computer.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interview and assess clients; counsel and refer clients to resources; develop and implement service plans; make sound judgments within applicable laws, policies, and regulations; respond appropriately to client emotions; manage work activities and records; establish effective relationships; and stay current with developments in human services.
Willingness to work disaster-related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
Availability for emergency after-hours on-call duties.

Nice To Haves

BSW or MSW degree.
Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.
Working knowledge of Virginia DARS Adult Protective Services, Virginia DSS Child Protective Services, Family Services Intake, and Crisis Intervention practices.
Working knowledge of Virginia DARS case documentation systems such as Peer Place and experience monitoring cases.

Responsibilities

Complete Virginia Department of Social Services and Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services requirements for serving as an Adult Protective Services Investigator and Adult Services Worker within mandated timeframes.
Conduct Adult Protective Services investigations of elder abuse and neglect and document required contacts within state-mandated timeframes.
Interview applicants, explain benefit programs, determine eligibility, obtain and verify financial, social, and employment information, and assist with required forms.
Evaluate applicant information for consistency, accuracy, and completeness.
Identify client needs, explain available programs and client rights and responsibilities, and refer clients to other Social Services programs and ancillary agencies as appropriate.
Explore other possible sources of income for applicants and calculate the amount and type of assistance for which clients may be eligible.
Maintain contact with clients, visit their homes as necessary, respond to inquiries, and provide information or refer inquiries to appropriate personnel.
Prepare correspondence and forms, ensuring correct spelling, punctuation, format, and grammar.
Plan and organize a caseload, set priorities, and schedule appointments.
Use computer-based data entry and file-maintenance programs to retrieve information and perform data entry.
Research files and records for periodic eligibility reviews and application re-evaluations through the appeals process.
Identify suspected fraud and make appropriate referrals and contacts.
Maintain data from multiple sources, research and organize information for periodic reports and analysis, and maintain confidential records and files.
Participate in emergency and disaster response, including sheltering individuals and families, and remain on call for emergency after-hours duties.
Perform other related duties as required.