Title Description- 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.

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) –

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 rules/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, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge- Some knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health problems.

Skills- Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.

Abilities- 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.

Education and Experience- Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area as mandated in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services. Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.

Minimum Qualifications: Minimum of a bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia). Considerable knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human service program areas; investigating and interviewing techniques; legal procedures as related to program areas; and social, economic, and health problems. Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated software and the operation of a motor vehicle. Demonstrated ability to : communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview , assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed; investigate high risk cases; testify in court proceedings; develop and present training programs and other presentations; interpret program laws, policies and regulations; develop and present training programs and other presentations; interpret program laws, policies and regulations; develop and implement service plans in order to ensure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; analyze case information to make sound judgements within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; develop speeches and represent the agency on program training and workshops; work in stressful situations and maintain diplomacy; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; establish and maintain effective relationships with others; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.

Preferred Qualifications: Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and/or a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license. Prefer previous experience working with social work principles and practices. Prefer experience with agency associated software. Prefer experience in assigned program area and completion of required training programs. Prefer experience in Child Protective Services with Forensic Interviewing Training. Prefer experience in obtaining and maintaining resource families. Prefer experience with in-home services and prevention cases..

Special Requirements:All applicants are subject to a DMV/driving record check, pre-employment drug screen, Central Registry (CPS) check and/or criminal history search. 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.

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

Special Instructions to Applicants:are encouraged to provide a complete listing of work experience and qualifications on the application.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed. or hand delivered applications will not be accepted.

Minimum Salary: $56,935.00

Maximum Salary: commensurate with experience

Virginia Department of Social Services

Family Services Specialist 1

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