Family Services Specialist I

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Lovingston (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson County Social Services is seeking a Family Services Specialist I/II to train in CPS-In Home and related areas such as Foster Care, Adoption and Adult Protective Services. The role involves casework under supervision, with tasks including service planning and coordination of resources.

Responsibilities include client interviews, needs assessments, referrals, and documentation to ensure delivery of services while complying with laws and agency policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field with two years of related experience in human services.
• BSW/MSW and Virginia Social Worker license desirable.
• On-call after hours for CPS and related duties.

Responsibilities

• Interpret laws, policies and regulations as applied to the area of responsibility.
• Monitor, coordinate and administer programs as assigned.
• Coordinate services within the area of responsibility.
• Interview and assess customer needs and factors such as education, skills and support systems.
• Inform clients of services, rules and rights to participate.
• Develop and implement service plans and provide case management.

Skills

Social work knowledge

Communication skills

Interview & needs assessment

Counseling & referrals

Service planning

Judgment within policy

Relationship building

Motor vehicle operation

PC/ software use

Awareness of trends in social work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

Bachelor's degree with 2+ years related experience

BSW or MSW desirable

Job description

This job announcement is a courtesy job post for the Nelson County local Social Services agency. It is not a position of the Virginia Department of Social Services or any other Commonwealth of Virginia agency. Local employment opportunities may also be available through the local agency’s city or county website/job board(s).

This position will be trained to specialize in CPS- In Home, not to exclude Foster Care, Adult Protective Services, Adult Services, Child Protective Services, and Adoption.

Based upon response to this posting, this position may be filled as a Family Services Specialist I or a Family Services Specialist II.Applicants are encouraged to provide a complete listing of work experience and qualifications on the application form.

A Family Services Specialist I represents entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. Employees perform routine entry level casework activities and the casework is usually reviewed by the supervisor prior to implementing case action.

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 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 rule/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, prepare/submits budget estimate and ensures payment of 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

Some knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health problems.

Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.

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.

Special Requirements

After hours on-call for adult and child protective services

Must live within 50 mile radius of the office

This position is for a Family Services I/II with primary duties in CPS-In Home.

Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/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.

This position is covered under Code of Virginia 63.2-1601.1 or 63.2-1720 requiring finalist candidate to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.

All Offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.

Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.