Family Services Specialist I

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services in Harrisonburg is seeking a Family Services Specialist I. The role involves assessing client needs, interpreting laws and regulations, and developing service plans under supervision while training for a higher-level role.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services field or a Bachelor's in any field with two years related experience; strong communication and case management skills are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or a Bachelor's in any field with two years related experience as required by Virginia code.
• Knowledge of social work principles, human behavior and related systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to conduct interviews and develop service plans.

Responsibilities

• Interprets laws, policies and regulations within area of responsibility.
• Interviews and assesses customer needs and factors such as education and skills.
• Develops and implements service plans and provides case management to monitor compliance.

Skills

Communication

Interviewing

Case management

Written skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree (Human Services)

Two years related experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Salary Range $55,000-$79,088

Position is for a Family Services Specialist I for FC

Title Description

This is a professional position for Foster Care.AFamilyServices SpecialistIrepresentstheentrylevel employeesworkingunderclose supervision while being trained in program areas such as Adult Protective Services, ChildProtectiveServices,FosterCare/Adoption.Employeesperformroutineentry level casework activities,andthecaseworkisusuallyreviewed bytheSupervisor priorto implementing caseaction. 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 include, but not limited to:

Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility. Monitors, coordinates and administers specific programs as assigned. Coordinates serviceswithin specificareaofresponsibility.Interviewsandassessescustomer needs andotherrelevant factorssuchaseducation/skilllevels, abilities,interestsandsupport systems. Informs clients of related service programs rules/regulations and right to. participate. Presents cases to determine appropriate services and writes/implements serviceplans.Providescasemanagementservices tomonitorcompliance.Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements. Conducts overallmonitoringofprogramsinspecificareaofresponsibility.Servesasresource to clients and the community in area of expertise. Provides after hours on-call coverage andresponds toemergenciesinchild/adult protective servicesand/orfoster care.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services field or a minimum of a Bachelor's Degreeinanyfieldwithaminimum oftwoyearsofappropriateandrelatedexperiencein a Human Services area as mandated in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of SocialServices.
• Someknowledgeofsocialworkprinciplesandpractices,humanbehaviorand motivational theory, and social, economic, and healthproblems.
• Knowledgeoflaws, policies,andregulationsrelatingtohuman servicesprogramareas and legal procedures as related to programarea.
• Skillinoperatingamotorvehicle. Skillinoperating apersonalcomputer withassociated software; preferably MicrosoftOffice.
• 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; investigatehighriskcases; testifyincourt proceedings;makesoundjudgments within theframeworkofexisting laws,policies,andregulations;respond totheclient'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;andstayabreast ofcurrenttrends anddevelopmentsinthesocial 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. Bilingual English/Spanish.Experienceasafamilyservicesspecialistworkerwithalocalsocial servicesagencyprovidingdirectservicestochildrenandfamilies.Workexperienceor an internship in a human servicesfield.

Special Requirements

• ApplicantsmaybesubjecttoaCriminalHistoryBackgroundsearch, CentralRegistry search, OMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drugscreen.
• The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment),credit checks(relevanttoemployment)andotherchecks requestedbythe hiringauthority.
• All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.
• May require after-hours on-call.
• May require reporting for shelter duty during emergencies and/or disasters.
• A sealed copy of college transcript must be provided prior to employment.
• Requires valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license to include driving record that meets agency standard.

Contact Information

• Name: Marie Hopkins
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]
• Address: Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District 110 North Mason Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802