Family Services Specialist I

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Manassas Park (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services seeks a Family Services Specialist I/Intern to train under close supervision in multiple program areas, including Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, and CSA. You will develop and implement service plans, assess client needs, inform on program rules, and participate in community events.

Responsibilities include after-hours on-call coverage, home visits, and maintaining client records while building professional skills

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of social work principles and related issues.
• Ability to interview, assess needs, counsel, and refer clients.
• Ability to operate a vehicle and computer with software.
• Able to manage work tasks and maintain records.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized service plans.
• Inform clients of program rules and rights.
• Provide after hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies.
• Conduct home visits and participate in community events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Interviewing

Counseling

Service planning

Documentation

Driving

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

Two years related Human Services experience

Job description

A Family Services Specialist I/Intern represents entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as Adult Protective Services, Adult Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and CSA.

Employees are responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans for the programs mentioned above. Employees may provide services in all program areas or specialize in one or several program areas. Employees interpret laws, policies, and regulations as applied to specific areas of responsibility. Informs clients of related service programs rules/regulations, and right to participate.

Employees provide after hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.

Performs home visits, and other tasks associated with Family Services outside of business hours, including weekends, and holidays. In addition, participation in community events and engagements is mandatory.

All other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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. hildren and families is allowable.
• 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/laptop 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 ensure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to client 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable. Experience in OASIS. Experience working in a Local Department of Social Services. Family Services Specialist I Internship experience within a local department of social services agency providing direct services to children and families is allowable.
• Bilingual English/Spanish

Physical Requirements

• Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
• Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Special Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Employee must be willing to participate in after-hours on-call schedule on a rotating basis.