Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services; Martinsville (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking an entry-level Family Services Specialist I. You will work under close supervision while training inAdult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services.

On successful completion of training and approvals, you will be redefined to Family Services Specialist II with eligibility for a pay increase per the agency plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or a Bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of related experience in a Human Services area.
• Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility.
• Monitors, coordinates and administers specific programs as assigned.
• Provides case management services to monitor compliance.
• Interviews and assesses customer needs and other relevant factors such as education/skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems.
• Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.

Skills

Motor vehicle operation

Computer skills

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.

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.

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 (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).

Preferred Qualifications:-

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.

Prefer Bi-lingual (English/Spanish).

Special Requirements:-

Applicants will be subjected to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen. Employee will be required to participate in afterhours on-call schedule on a rotating basis. Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Special Instructions to Applicants:-

Applicants are encouraged to provide a complete listing of work experience, either paid or unpaid, and qualifications on the application.

CONSIDERATION FOR AN INTERVIEW IS BASED SOLELY ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED WITHIN THIS APPLICATION.