Family Services Specialist

Government of the Virgin Islands

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Unit Administrator, District Manager or designee, this is intermediate level social services work involving social, physical, legal and emotional problems. This position requires the incumbent to coordinate caseloads, advocacy, referral services, and direct intervention and service delivery for complex social work cases at the Department of Human Services. Work and approaches taken to handle caseloads are reviewed through meetings, conferences and staffing.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) or a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science field (social work, counseling, family services, gerontology, guidance and counseling, family and child development, psychology, criminology or sociology)
Two (2) years’ experience in child welfare services, social services and case management.
Knowledge of family services principles, practices and ethics: i.e., interviewing, assessing client needs, development of treatment plan to deliver services and locating and securing resources.
Knowledge of normal and abnormal human behavior including child and adolescent growth and development, mental disorders, adult and geriatric behavior.
Knowledge of basic agency purpose and functions, office procedures, and services offered.
Skill in written and oral communication.
Skill in interviewing to gather, interpret and use data appropriately.
Skill in basic organization and case management.
Skill in assessing family's or individual's strengths and needs.
Skill in basic counseling with individuals and families.
Skill in research, collecting factual and specific data.
Ability to use community resources effectively and appropriately as part of the overall service delivery.
Ability to apply skills adequately and utilize new concepts to serve clients.
Must exercise sound judgment and assessment skills, informed by their education and training to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Possession or ability to have or obtain a valid US Virgin Islands driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Manages caseloads by maintaining files, telephone contacts, referrals to private vendors for services, preparing documents, and filing case documents.
Prepares for court by attending court hearings to generate written reports and testimonies, filing petitions and affidavits, preparing court reports, and coordinating activities with attorneys and law enforcement.
Provides case management in conjunction with the supervisor and other relevant parties.
Keeps factual and timely formal records through the use of computer software and information systems.
Conducts home studies, prepares written reports of findings, attends and coordinates related meetings, and seeks to resolve crisis situations for families and individuals regarding personal safety, shelter, food and clothing.
Serves as client advocate in accessing services and working with stakeholders such as hospitals, schools, courts, homes and mental health providers that may require referrals for services.
Collaborates with other staff in locating safe relatives, fictive kin, foster homes, group homes, homes for the aged, and residential treatment facilities based on client’s service needs.
Participates in staff and training meetings as assigned.
Prepares service plans and case reviews in a timely manner and clearly state treatment plan and objectives for client.
Attends appropriate meetings and/or conferences to present cases, receive supervision, and analyze services provided.
Performs other related duties as required by management.