Family Services Specialist

Virginia Department of Social Services•Suffolk, VA

About The Position

Position primary designation is performing tasks within the Family Services APS unit; however, position may also be assigned duties within various units of the Family Services Division, i.e., Prevention, CPS, APS, and Foster Care. Under general supervision, facilitates, coordinates, and provides counseling and case management in multiple social work service programs administered by the City Social Services Department including protective services for adults and children as well as foster care. Has general knowledge of the policies and procedures of multiple benefit programs administered by the City of Suffolk Department of Social Services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field or bachelor’s degree in any field plus two years of related human services experience.
Requires a valid driver’s license.
Tasks include screening clients and explaining multiple social work service programs, determining and pursuing necessary action to meet client needs, counseling clients, and providing or assisting in obtaining access to necessary human services assistance, assessing and making recommendations for improved work quality.
Maintains various records and case files.
Prepares required reports and performs other duties as assigned.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in the Human Service field plus some work experience in related human services field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Prefer working knowledge of Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services policies. Preferred candidates have completed required VDSS training for CPS and/or APS investigator trainings.
Prefer working knowledge of adult case management practices and experience managing caseloads involving the elderly and other vulnerable adult populations.

Responsibilities

Respond to all walk-ins requesting information and referrals and telephone inquiries.
Manage the CPS/APS hotline to receive complaints and enter them into the OASIS system and PeerPlace.
Provide short term services for Learn Fare to address truancy issues with TANF recipients who are referred for noncompliance.
Receive referrals from CSA Coordinator, CPS, and Financial Services Workers for services/family stabilization.
Complete referrals on behalf of the clients to outside community resources for assistance
Complete Homeless shelter referrals and assessments.
Provide Fire and Emergency Assistance to clients in need.
Receive, manage and ensure appropriate distribution when handling clients for the Holiday assistance.
Position requires CPS/APS on-call responsibilities and disaster shelter duties in the event of local emergencies.
Tasks include screening clients and explaining multiple social work service programs, determining and pursuing necessary action to meet client needs, counseling clients, and providing or assisting in obtaining access to necessary human services assistance.
Maintains various records and case files.
Prepares required reports.