Family Services Specialist 1/2

If you’re looking for more than a job—if you’re looking for a calling—this may be the place for you. Warren County DSS is seeking compassionate, motivated individuals to serve as Family Services Specialist I/II in Child Protective Services (CPS).

In this role, you’ll be a steady presence for families during some of their most challenging moments. You’ll listen, support, advocate, collaborate, and problem-solve. You’ll be trained, mentored, and equipped to grow into a confident, full-performance Family Services Specialist II.

As an FSS I, you’ll begin under close supervision, learning the complexities of CPS work. Once training and required competencies are met, you’ll advance to FSS II with greater independence and a pay increase under our local compensation plan.

Family Services Specialist I -  represents the entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as, Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/’Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. Employees perform routine- to journey-level casework activities and the casework usually is reviewed by the supervisor prior to implementing a case action.  Upon completion of the training program and attainment of necessary approvals, the employee shall be redefined to a full-performance Family Services Specialist II and becomes eligible for a pay increase as defined by the local agency compensation plan.  The Family Services Specialist I is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist II by the latter’s functioning more independently as a full performance Family Services Specialist. 

Family Services Specialist II - This is the full performance level in the occupational group for Family Services. Employees are responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods in Employment Services and Child Care, and basic service level caseloads of Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, Adoptions.  Employees may provide services in all program areas or specialize in one or several program areas. Typically employees perform all tasks independently and only seek supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory review or involvement. The Family Services Specialist II is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist III by the latter's functioning at the advanced level, and becoming more specialized in program areas and assuming more complex duties (such as: interviewing/investigating in cases involving suspected child/adult abuse/neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianships, emergency protective orders, and adoptions). General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only)–  

What You’ll Do (In Real, Meaningful Terms)

• Help families navigate crises and find paths toward stability.
• Assess children’s safety and wellbeing with empathy and professionalism.
• Build service plans that empower families to grow stronger.

• Ability to navigate difficult conversations with families about child safety, balancing        compassion with firmness while maintaining trust and supporting positive change.
• Work alongside schools, medical providers, law enforcement, and partner agencies.
• Ensure that laws, policies, and procedures are applied with fairness and consistency.
• Maintain accurate documentation and complete state, federal, and local reporting.
• Respond to emergencies as part of an after-hours on-call rotation.
• Serve as a voice of support, hope, and guidance in moments that matter.

Our Why

Everything we do is designed to inspire positive change and empower the residents of Warren County to thrive, build resilience, and promote wellbeing. When you join our team, you become part of that “why”—part of a shared mission to strengthen families, support children, and uplift our community.

Our Core Values

Empowerment
Dedication
Resilience
Respect

These values guide every conversation, every case, every tough decision, and every success story we help create.

Our Vision

A community where every person has what they need to live safely, shape strong futures, and build resilience—for themselves and for generations to come.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities We Value

• Understanding of human behavior, social work principles, and the challenges families face
• Strong communication—listening deeply, speaking clearly, writing thoughtfully
• Ability to make sound decisions when the stakes are high
• Comfort with interviewing, assessing needs, and building trust
• Organization and time management amid shifting priorities
• Ability to collaborate and maintain positive working relationships
• Willingness to learn, evolve, and stay informed on best practices
• Basic computer skills and a valid driver’s license

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field
OR
• Bachelor’s degree in any field plus at least two years of related Human Services experience (per 22VAC40-670-20)
• A BSW, MSW, or Virginia Social Worker license is preferred but not required

Why You’ll Love Working Here

Because every day, you will make a difference.
Because you will be surrounded by colleagues who care deeply—for the community and for each other.
Because our work has purpose.
And because resilience isn’t just something we build in families—it’s something we build in ourselves.

Minimum Salary: $55,000.00

Maximum Salary: Commensurate With Experience