Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking a Family Services Specialist I to work under close supervision while training in Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. The role supports families and children at risk, maintains CPS caseloads, and collaborates with courts, schools, and community partners.

After training, potential progression to Family Services Specialist II is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area as mandated by Virginia regulations.
• Bachelor's degree with BSW/MSW desirable; Virginia license as Social Worker is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Interpret laws, policies, and regulations in assigned area.
• Monitor, coordinate, and administer programs as assigned.
• Coordinate services and assess client needs and factors.
• Inform clients of programs, rules, and participation rights.
• Present cases and write/implement service plans.
• Provide case management and monitor compliance.
• Manage program waiting lists and track expenditures.

Skills

Communication skills

Multitasking

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

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.
CPS In-home:

This position supports and assists agency clients with personal, social, health, and economic needs. Identifies problems, counsels with families by addressing specific needs and/or issues with regard to keeping families and children safe in their own homes. Maintains case records, prepares written reports of services, findings and actions, and testifies in related court hearings as required. This program works with children who are in danger of placement in foster care, as well as their families. This involves facilitation of services such as prevention and treatment services pertaining to mental health, substance abuse disorder, and In-Home Parent skill-based services. This position creates prevention strategies, completes prevention service plans, and accesses federal funding in efforts to keep families intact. Performs work with agencies such as the courts, schools, and other community partners. Supplies information about agency and/or resources and facilities to community. Verifies data and assists clients with arranging various services. Maintains CPS caseload while completing routine paperwork in time frames required by Virginia State Code. Ability to multi-task and respond to crisis situations in a timely and professional manner. Acts as a team player willing to assist co-workers and able to work outside the normal range of hours when necessary. Participates in a rotating after hours team that responds to emergency CPS/APS/Foster Care situations

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.