Family Services Specialist I

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services is recruiting an entry-level Family Services Specialist I to work under supervision while gaining training in Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services.

The role involves routine to journey-level casework with supervision and a potential redefinition to Family Services Specialist II upon training completion and approvals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field with at least 2 years of related experience.
• BSW or MSW degree and Virginia Social Worker license desirable.
• Ability to interpret laws, policies and regulations within the assigned area.

Responsibilities

• Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility.
• Coordinates services within specific area of responsibility.
• Interviews and assesses customer needs and other relevant factors.
• Develops and implements service plans and provides case management.
• Responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services or foster care.

Skills

Motor vehicle operation

Personal computer use

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

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

BSW/MSW desirable

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.