Family Services Specialist

City of Hampton; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hampton is seeking a Family Services Specialist to provide case management and support services for vulnerable families, children and adults. You’ll work across foster care, child and adult protective services, adoption, and family support, coordinating planning, referrals, crisis intervention, and collaboration with community partners.

This safety-sensitive role requires a degree in a related field and at least one year of relevant experience; a background check and driving record

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field such as Social Work, Gerontology, Sociology, Human Services, Psychology, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of one year of full-time equivalent experience in family engagement, child development, elder or disabled services, or family-focused social work.
• Must pass a background check and may require state certification if assigned to Foster Care Unit.

Responsibilities

• Develop service plans with children, adults, and families to address emotional, financial, housing, education, and health needs.
• Conduct assessments and provide direct services in child welfare, adult services, and foster/adoption care.
• Respond to and investigate cases involving abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Represent the department in court proceedings and coordinate with external agencies.
• Maintain detailed documentation in systems like OASIS and PeerPlace.
• Lead training for foster families and assist with certification and placement processes.
• Participate in interagency teams, community outreach, and public education.

Skills

Case management

Crisis intervention

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work

Bachelor's degree in Gerontology

Tools

OASIS

PeerPlace

Job description

Are you passionate about helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges? The City of Hampton is looking for caring, driven, and dedicated professionals to join our team as Family Services Specialists. In this impactful role, you’ll help strengthen families and support vulnerable adults and children through direct intervention, planning, and access to essential services.

About the Role

As a Family Services Specialist, you will provide case management and support services to individuals with complex needs in areas such as foster care, child and adult protective services, adoption, and family support. You’ll play a crucial role in improving lives through service planning, referrals, crisis intervention, and community collaboration.

“Join the City of Hampton team! As a proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer and a designated Military Spouse-Friendly Employer, we are committed to supporting veterans and military spouses. We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique skills and experiences that military families bring.”

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop service plans with children, adults, and families to address emotional, financial, housing, education, and health needs
• Conduct assessments and provide direct services in child welfare, adult services, and foster/adoption care
• Respond to and investigate cases involving abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Represent the department in court proceedings and coordinate with external agencies
• Maintain detailed documentation in systems like OASIS and PeerPlace
• Lead training for foster families and assist with certification and placement processes
• Participate in interagency teams, community outreach, and public education

Minimum Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Gerontology, Sociology, Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field of study.
• Requires a minimum of one (1) year of full-time equivalent experience in a family engagement; child development, elderly or disabled fields of work, or family-focused social work, or closely related experiences.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered for this position.
• This position is safety sensitive and is subject to testing for alcohol and controlled substances in accordance with the City’s current substance abuse policy.
• Must successfully pass a background check related to this position.
• May require State certification if assigned to the Foster Care Unit
• Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton’s criteria.

Additional Requirements

• The incumbent may be considered “essential personnel” during city emergency situations or at the direction of the City Manager or designee, which may include long hours and unusual schedules.

“Join the City of Hampton team! As a proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer and a designated Military Spouse-Friendly Employer, we are committed to supporting veterans and military spouses. We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique skills and experiences that military families bring. Come work for Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation, creating an even more dynamic future! We are located in the center of the Hampton Roads region and offer lots of waterfront fun, rich and diverse history, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Hampton offers excellent benefits, career and professional development, tuition reimbursement and other benefits.”