Family Services Specialist 1

This position will be trained to understand Foster Care, Foster Care Prevention, Adult Protective Services, Adult Services, Child Protective Services, Adoption, Child Care and Employment Services.

Based upon response to this posting, this position may be filled as a Family Services Specialist I or a Family Services Specialist II.Applicants are encouraged to provide a complete listing of work experience and qualifications on the application form. 

A Family Services Specialist I represents entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. Employees perform routine entry level casework activities and the casework is usually reviewed by the supervisor prior to implementing case action.

A Family Services Specialist II represents the full performance level.Employees are responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods and basic service lever caseloads of Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care and Adoptions.Employees perform all tasks independently and seek supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory review or involvement.

General work tasks include, but not limited to:

Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility; monitors, coordinates and administers specific programs as assigned; coordinates services within specific area of responsibility; interviews and assesses customer needs and other relevant factors such as education/skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems; informs clients of related service programs rule/regulations, and right to participate; presents cases to determine appropriate services and writes/implements service plans; provides case management services to monitor compliance; manages program waiting lists; tracks expenditures, prepare/submits budget estimate and ensures payment of services; completes necessary federal, state, and local planning and reporting requirements; coordinates with other agencies and participates in multi-disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers; conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility; serves as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise; and provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field and minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).Working knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; and social, economic, and health problems.Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed; develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities;establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous work experience with the Department of Social Services is desirable.Previous experience working with social work principles and practices.Previous experience working with children and families involved with foster care.

Special Requirements

After hours on-call for adult and child protective services

Must live within 50 mile radius of the office

This position is for a Family Services I/II with primary duties in foster care prevention.

Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.

The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police , FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks ( relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

This position is covered under Code of Virginia 63.2-1601.1 or 63.2-1720 requiring finalist candidate to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.

All Offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings. 

Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Special Instructions to Applicant

Application for this position must be submitted electronically at LDSS External Career Portal Careers (oraclecloud.com)

Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted.

The website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.