Family Services Specialist - Adult Protective Services

Virginia Department of Social Services•Suffolk, VA

About The Position

Under general supervision, facilitates, coordinates, and provides counseling and case management in social work service programs administered by the City Social Services Department, with primary designation in the Adult Protective Services (APS) Program. The position may also perform duties in Prevention, Intake, APS, and Foster Care units within the Family Services Division. Cross-training is required, and incumbents may be assigned throughout the division as needed. The role may coordinate specific services and be responsible for daily activities and outcomes. The specialist screens clients, explains social work and benefit programs, assesses needs, determines and pursues appropriate actions, provides counseling, and helps clients access human services. The position maintains case records, prepares reports, and performs eligibility-related duties, including collecting and verifying applicant information and determining the amount and type of assistance available. The role requires completion of mandated Virginia training and work within required timeframes, including APS investigations and documentation. The specialist also participates in emergency and disaster response, may provide sheltering support, and remains on call for after-hours emergencies.

Requirements

Minimum of 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 Human Services experience, in accordance with Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia.
Typically, 1–2 years of 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.
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; organize and manage work activities and records; establish effective relationships; and stay current with developments in human services.
Valid driver's license.
Willingness to work disaster-related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, and remain on call for emergency after-hours duties.

Nice To Haves

A BSW or MSW degree.
A 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, and secure and verify financial, social, and employment information.
Assist applicants with required forms and evaluate submitted information for consistency, accuracy, and completeness.
Identify client needs; explain available programs, rights, and responsibilities; and refer clients to appropriate programs, agencies, and resources.
Explore other possible sources of applicant income and calculate the amount and type of assistance clients may be eligible or ineligible to receive.
Maintain contact with clients and visit their homes as necessary.
Respond to inquiries about benefit programs or refer inquiries to appropriate personnel.
Compose and type correspondence and forms, ensuring correctness of spelling, punctuation, format, and grammar.
Plan and organize caseloads, set priorities, and schedule appointments.
Use computer-driven data entry and file-maintenance programs to retrieve and maintain information used to determine eligibility.
Research files and records for periodic eligibility reviews and application reevaluations through appeals.
Identify instances of fraud and make appropriate referrals and contacts.
Maintain data from various sources, research and organize information for periodic reports and analysis, and maintain confidential records and files.
Participate in emergency and disaster-related incident coverage, including sheltering individuals and families when needed.
Remain on call for emergency after-hours duties and be willing to perform disaster assignments, including emergency shelter duty.
Perform other related duties as required.