Family Services Specialist I

City of Chesapeake Virginia; Chesapeake (VA); Vor Ort; USD 50.000 - 61.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

City of Chesapeake is seeking a Family Services Specialist I to provide professional social work services within the In‑Home Prevention Services program, partnering with families, children, and community providers to promote child safety, permanency, and well‑being.

The role uses a family-centered, safety-focused approach to assess needs, develop plans, coordinate services, and monitor outcomes, with duties including home visits, case management, counseling, and documentation.

Qualifikationen

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field as required or 2 years related experience with a bachelor’s degree.
• Preferred qualifications include experience writing court documents such as affidavits, interviewing individuals to obtain detailed information, and willingness to work Emergency Duty shifts.
• Current VDSS experience or knowledge of OASIS/Peer Place is a plus.

Aufgaben

• Engage families and support systems in assessment, case planning, and decision-making.
• Assess child safety, family functioning, risks, strengths, and protective capacities.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized service and safety plans.
• Coordinate services with community providers, schools, healthcare organizations, and other partners.
• Conduct home visits, interviews, and required case activities.

Kenntnisse

Court documents

Interviews

Emergency Duty

Ausbildung

Bachelor's degree in human services

Bachelor's degree + 2 years experience

Jobbeschreibung

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Drug Screening: MARIJUANA

In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law‑enforcement officer/deputy.

Position Information

Working Title of Vacant Position

Working Title of Vacant Position Family Services Specialist I

Job Type

Job Type Full Time

Posting Type

Posting Type Public

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Department

Department HUMAN SVCS

Division

Division HS-SS FAMILY SERVICES

Requisition Number

Requisition Number 2026404

Number of hours worked per week

Number of hours worked per week 40

Work Schedule

8 am – 5 pm; Monday – Friday
Schedule varies depending on operational needs
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short‑term departmental needs and/or City‑wide emergencies.

Work Site Location

Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA (100 Outlaw Street)

Position Driving Requirement

Position Driving Requirement R - Routine

Pay Grade

Pay Grade GE11

Pay Basis

Pay Basis Semi‑Monthly

Advertised Salary

$55,854 / annually Actual starting salary based on qualifications and experience

Job Description

Family Services Specialist I

The Family Services Specialist I provides professional social work services to children and families through the Department of Human Services’ In‑Home Prevention Services program. The position partners with families, children, relatives, community providers, and other support systems to promote child safety, permanency, and well‑being while supporting children safely within their homes and communities whenever possible.

The position uses a family‑centered, safety‑focused, and collaborative approach to assess family strengths, needs, risks, and protective capacities; develop and monitor individualized service plans; coordinate services; and support meaningful, sustainable outcomes.

The position may serve children living with parents or caregivers, temporarily with relatives or kin, or long‑term with relatives or kin while maintaining appropriate parental relationships and visitation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engage families and support systems in assessment, case planning, and decision‑making.
• Assess child safety, family functioning, risks, strengths, and protective capacities.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized, behavior‑based service and safety plans.
• Coordinate services with community providers, schools, healthcare organizations, and other partners.
• Conduct home visits, interviews, field contacts, and other required case activities.
• Monitor progress, reassess needs, and adjust services as circumstances change.
• Provide case management, counseling, education, referrals, advocacy, and supportive services.
• Respond to crisis situations and address identified safety and family needs.
• Maintain accurate case records, assessments, reports, correspondence, and required documentation.
• Participate in case consultations, team meetings, staffing, court proceedings, and administrative reviews.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and professional standards.
• Establish effective working relationships with families, coworkers, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain current knowledge and skills through required training and professional development.
• Conduct training for service providers and participate in provider certification and recertification activities, as assigned.
• Rotate through service areas such as CPS , foster care, and adoption.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

The position requires balancing child safety with family preservation, recognizing that family preservation must never compromise child safety. Decisions are based on each child and family’s circumstances and applicable laws, regulations, policies, and professional standards.

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure, for a full list of benefits and employee perks.

Required Qualifications

VOCATIONAL / EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT :In order to be evaluated for vacancies in the Family Services Specialist job series, applicants shall possess the qualifications outlined in (1) OR (2) below:1) A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the human services field, including Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Counseling and Guidance, Counselor Education, Human Services, Sociology, Family and Child Development, Aging Studies, Gerontology, Criminal Justice with a minor in one of the above studies, or other related degrees determined by the Department of Human Resources based on the similarity of the curriculum and course content.2) A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field accompanied by a minimum of two years of appropriate and related, full‑time equivalent experience in a human services‑related area.To be considered for promotion, persons currently employed in the Family Services Specialist job series by a local department prior to January 1, 1999, who do not meet the qualifications outlined in either (1) or (2) above, must possess four years of appropriate and related experience in a human services area and must have successfully completed all available competency‑based training related to the promotional area. SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES :Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards .SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS :Emergency Duty (On‑Call) participation is required to comply with mandated responsibilities as listed under Section 63.2‑1503,B; Section 63.2‑900; and 63.2‑1604‑63.2‑1610, Code of Virginia. Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short‑term departmental needs and/or City‑wide emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience writing court documents such as court reports, Emergency Removal and Protective Order affidavits.
• Experience interviewing individuals to obtain detailed information and then produce a written document that accurately explains information obtained during the interview in a detailed and easily understood manner.
• Willing to work Emergency Duty shifts as assigned.
• Currently work for Virginia Department of Social Services ( VDSS ).
• Prior VDSS experience in Child Welfare.
• 6 months experience in Child Welfare.
• Experience or knowledge of OASIS and/or Peer Place
• Strong typing/data entry skills and also be able to follow 24 hour case documentation requirements.

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 10/15/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 10/25/2026

Open Continuous No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Drug Screening: MARIJUANA

In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre‑employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law‑enforcement officer/deputy.

ADA Checklist

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands S=Sedentary - Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or small weights frequently; sitting most of the time.

Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Standing

Standing Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Sitting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Walking

Walking Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Lifting

Lifting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Lifting Amount

Lifting Amount Exerting up to 10 lbs

Carrying

Carrying Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Carrying Weight

Carrying Weight Exerting up to 10 lbs

Pushing/Pulling

Pushing/Pulling Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Pushing/Pulling Weight

Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 10 lbs

Reaching

Reaching Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Handling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Fine Dexterity

Fine Dexterity Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Kneeling

Kneeling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Crouching

Crouching Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Crawling Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Bending Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Twisting

Twisting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Climbing

Climbing Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Balancing Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Vision

Vision Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Hearing

Hearing Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Talking

Talking Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Foot Controls

Foot Controls Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used

Computer, copier, fax, telephone, scanner, adding machine, calculator, printer, car and related equipment.

Protective Equipment Required

N/A

Health and Safety

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Mechanical Hazards

Mechanical Hazards N = Never

Chemical Hazards

Chemical Hazards N = Never

Electrical Hazards

Electrical Hazards S = Seasonally

Fire Hazards S = Seasonally

Explosives

Explosives S = Seasonally

Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases S = Seasonally

Physical Danger or Abuse

Physical Danger or Abuse S = Seasonally

Other

If Other, Description

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Dirt and Dust

Dirt and Dust D = Daily

Extreme Temperatures

Extreme Temperatures D = Daily

Noise and Vibration

Noise and Vibration D = Daily

Fumes and Odors

Fumes and Odors D = Daily

Wetness/Humidity

Wetness/Humidity D = Daily

Darkness or Poor Lighting

Darkness or Poor Lighting D = Daily

Primary Work Location

Non‑Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Time Pressures

Time Pressures Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Emergency Situations

Emergency Situations Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Frequent Change of Tasks

Frequent Change of Tasks Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Tedious or Exacting Work

Tedious or Exacting Work Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Noisy/Distracting Environment Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Other

If Other, Description

Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)

No

Professional References

Professional References Please provide contact information for professional references.

Minimum Requests 0

Maximum Requests 4

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Emergency Duty (On‑Call) participation is required to comply with mandated responsibilities as listed under Section 63.2‑1503,B; Section 63.2‑900; and 63.2‑1604‑63.2‑1610, Code of Virginia. Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short‑term departmental needs and/or City‑wide emergencies. Will you be able to meet this requirement?
  • Yes
  • No
• * In order to be evaluated for vacancies in the Family Services Specialist job series, applicants shall possess the qualifications outlined in (1) OR (2) below:1) A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the human services field, including Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Counseling and Guidance, Counselor Education, Human Services, Sociology, Family and Child Development, Aging Studies, Gerontology, Criminal Justice with a minor in one of the above studies, or other related degrees determined by the Department of Human Resources based on the similarity of the curriculum and course content.2) A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field accompanied by a minimum of two years of appropriate and related, full‑time equivalent experience in a human services related area.To be considered for promotion, persons currently employed in the Family Services Specialist job series by a local department prior to January 1, 1999, who do not meet the qualifications outlined in either (1) or (2) above, must possess four years of appropriate and related experience in a human services area and must have successfully completed all available competency‑based training related to the promotional area.Do you currently meet the aforementioned requirements?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you possess a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City’s Driving Standards? Please review link in posting for details.
  • Yes
  • No