Family Services Specialist I

Virginia AG; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia AG in Harrisonburg is seeking a Family Services Specialist I for Child Protective Services. This entry-level professional role operates under close supervision while being trained in CPS functions, including assessment, investigation of child abuse/neglect, truancy, and placement considerations.

The position emphasizes interviewing families, documenting case information, testifying in court, and forming service plans to ensure safe and permanemt homes for children.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to resources as needed.
• Investigate high risk cases; testify in court; develop and implement service plans.

Responsibilities

• Interview and assess needs of clients and families.
• Develop and implement service plans to ensure delivery of appropriate services.
• Testify in court proceedings and coordinate with other agencies.

Skills

Communication skills

Interviewing

Case assessment

Court testimony

Service planning

Documentation

Stress management

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

Hiring Range: $55,000.00 to $79,088.00

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

Salary Range $55,000-$79,088

Position is for a Family Services Specialist I for CPS

Title Description-This is a professional position. This recruitment is for positions in Child Protective Services.

The Family Services Specialist I represents entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in Child Protective Services; FamilyAssessmentandInvestigationcases,on-goingcases ,andTruancyCases

Thispositionspecializesinprogram areas such asinterviewing/assessingof child abuse/neglect, out-of-home placements,guardianship, emergencyprotectiveorders,testifying in legalproceedings and placing childreninfoster/adoptive homes.

Employeeshavecontactswithothersandinfluenceoutcomebyparticipatingontaskforces,strategicplanning,mentoring,teaching,andconductingoutreach.

Thisposition mayreport to theAssistantDirector,Child Protective Services Supervisor or a Senior Worker.

MinimumQualifications

MinimumofaBachelor'sDegreein ahumanservicefieldoraBachelor'sDegreeinanyfield accompanied by a minimum of two yearsrelatedexperience (Section 22VAC40-670-20oftheAdministrativeCodeofVirginia).

Someknowledgeof:socialwork principlesandpractices;humanbehaviorandmotivationaltheory;and social,economic,andhealthproblems.

Knowledgeofrelevantcommunity andpublicresourcesthat mightbeneeded forfosterchildren.

Skill in operation of apersonalcomputer and the associatedsoftwareandtheoperation ofamotorvehicle.

Demonstrates abilitytocommunicate effectively both orally and in writing;interview,assessneeds,counsel andreferclientstoother resources asneeded;investigatehigh riskcases;testifyin court proceedings;develop and implement service plans in ordertoinsure the delivery of appropriate services totheclient; analyze caseinformationto make soundjudgments withintheframework of existing laws, policies, and regulations;respondtotheclient's emotions in orderto accomplish services objectives; work in stressful situations and maintain diplomacy;plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparingreports andrelationshipswith others;and stayabreastofcurrent trendsand developments inthesocial workfield.

Demonstratedability tointerview,collectdata,gatherinformationandinvestigate related to Social Serviceprograms.

PreferredQualifications

Priorwork experiencein ahumanservicesfieldoraninternshipinahuman servicesfield.

Current or prior work experienceinalocal department of social services office. ProficiencyinMicrosoft Word.

Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker License

BSW/MSW

Bilingual English/Spanish.

Experience in assigned program area and completion of requiredtrainingprograms orequivalent combination oftrainingand experience which providestherequired knowledge, skills and abilities.

Experience with alocalDepartment ofSocial Services,Community Service Board or other agency that provides direct services to children, adults and/orfamilies.

Experienceworking withcommunitypartnerssuchas:Police Department,SchoolSystem, County Administrator, Community Service Board,Community PolicyManagement Team,Family Assessment Planning Team andFaithBased agencies.

Experienceworkingwithfamilies,conductingmeetingsand assessingthestrengthsandneedsofchildren andfamilies.

Working knowledge of: social work principles and practices;humanbehavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; and social, economic, and health problems.

Special Requirements

Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, OMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.

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.

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.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications/resumes for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information provided on the application and resume. Selected applicants will be contacted by the phone number/email address listed on the application or resume. Please refer to your LHRC account for the status of your application and this position.

Contact Information

Name Marie Hopkins

Phone:[phone]

Email:[e-mail]

Address:Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District 110 North Mason Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802