Family Services Specialist I

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers is seeking a Family Services Specialist I for the City of Lynchburg's Social Services agency. This entry-level role trains under supervision in Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services.

The position offers a path to a Family Services Specialist II with a pay increase per the local compensation plan. Tasks include casework, service planning, referrals, and interagency collaboration; after-hours

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field with two years of related experience.
• Possession of a valid Virginia driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Completion of IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management trainings within 90 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Interpret laws, policies and regulations within assigned areas.
• Coordinate services and monitor program activities.
• Provide case management and develop service plans for clients.
• Maintain client records and prepare budget estimates.
• Collaborate with agencies and participate in multi-disciplinary teams.

Skills

Motor vehicle

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

Bachelor's degree in any field with related experience

BSW or MSW desirable

Job description

Hiring Range: $55,016 to $91,166.40

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

This job announcement is a courtesy job post for the City of Lynchburg 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).

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

• 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.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Special Requirements

Possession of valid drivers license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record according to City criteria.

Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.