Family Services Specialist 1/2 - Foster Care

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. 

Title Description- 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) – 

• 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 expenditure, 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 areas 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.
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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.

Preferred Qualifications: Considerable experience in assigned program area/human services programs and completion of required training programs.

Current experience with the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), including Foster Care, Adoption, In‑Home Practice, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that demonstrates the necessary knowledge, skills, and 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 ensure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; analyzing, interpreting, and applying complex federal and state laws and regulations; make sound judgments within the framework of existing state and federal laws, policies, and regulations.

Work experience in a human services field or an internship in a human services field preferred. Work experience in a local department of social services office is preferred.

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.
 

Experience with and understanding of agency software programs such as VaCMS, OASIS, and Safe Measures.
 

Veteran and/or Disabled Veteran.
 

Special Requirements: Applicants will be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search and DMV/driving record check. 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.  

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

Driving record and valid license must be submitted before actual start date if being considered for employment.      

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

Employee must be willing to assist Family Services with care of high acuity foster care youth.

Minimum Salary: $55,000.00

Maximum Salary: $65,000.00