Family Service Specialist I

Socket.dev; New Castle (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev in Virginia is seeking an entry-level Family Services Specialist I, working under close supervision while training in Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services.

You will perform routine casework, assist in service planning, and coordinate with agencies. Upon completion of training you may become a Family Services Specialist II with eligibility for a pay increase under the local compensation plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field, with relevant experience per Virginia regulations.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills are essential.
• Experience in casework or related social services is preferred but not required for entry-level.

Responsibilities

• Interpret laws, policies and regulations as applied to the area of responsibility.
• Monitor, coordinate and administer programs within assigned area.
• Interview and assess client needs, educate clients on service programs, and develop service plans.
• Provide case management and monitor client compliance with plans.
• Maintain client records, reports, and communication with other agencies.

Skills

Effective communication

Interviewing

Counseling

Relationship building

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

Bachelor's degree in any field with 2 years related experience

Tools

Motor vehicle operation

Personal computer with software

Job description

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.

Responsibilities