Lead Family Services Specialist II - Resource Family (Chesterfield-Colonial Heights)

Virginia Department of Social Services • Chesterfield, VA

8d • $68,851 - $80,900 • Onsite

About The Position

The Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services is seeking a dynamic Lead Family Services Specialist II to join their team. This position plays a crucial role in protecting and supporting children and families, assisting the agency in maintaining state and federal compliance with the continued oversight of the Resource Family program. The role involves working closely with agency leadership to achieve performance goals and foster a culture of excellence. This is an opportunity for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families, offering competitive benefits and a supportive work environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social work or a related human services field.
• Two years of experience in the human services field.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Current valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Record must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months.
• Out of state driving records must be obtained by applicant and presented at time of interview.
• Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within thirty days of interview date.
• Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.
• A Chesterfield County application is also required and must be submitted online by the deadline.
• Must be comfortable with taking a leadership role.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Three years of foster care experience desired.
• Foster care experience preferred.
• Training and certification in Family Partnership Meetings facilitation and Virginia Enhanced Maintenance Assessment Tool preferred.
• Virginia foster care and adoption policy training preferred.
• Excellent leadership skills.
• Ability to supervise staff effectively.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with a solution-focused approach.
• Exceptional engagement, assessment, and interviewing skills.
• Confidence and assertiveness, especially when faced with challenges.
• Independent thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Strong organizational, time management, and computer skills.
• Effective conflict resolution skills.
• Effective personal boundaries and self-care practices.
• Bilingual (Spanish & ASL).

Responsibilities

• Recruit and train foster parents and relatives.
• Conduct thorough assessments and write detailed home studies.
• Serve as a bridge between families and case workers.
• Develop strong community partnerships.
• Identify placement options.
• Oversee foster home respite and training programs.
• Provide on-call supervision.
• Represent the department on important committees.
• Potentially take on a small foster care caseload.
• Provide direct supervision to interns and support staff if the need arises.
• Perform other work as required.
• Lead staff through difficult situations.
• Assist in the professional development of staff.
• Work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders to find creative solutions.
• Champion interventions that are implemented.
• Provide on-call supervision for emergencies 24 hours a day on a rotating schedule including weekends and holidays.
• Serve on an emergency shelter team during times of natural disaster.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits
• Supportive work environment
• Chesterfield County offers an attractive benefits package.
• May offer incentives, approved through the Virginia Department of Social Services, to candidates hired who possess additional relevant training, skills and experience.
• Those incentives apply to individuals who possess: a Masters or Bachelors Degree in Social Work, Masters in Human Services, LCSW, Child Welfare Stipend participants, completion of COVLC new worker training or are Bilingual (Spanish & ASL).
• Working for a local government provides credit towards the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

What This Job Offers

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