Family Services Specialist I

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking a qualified professional to interpret laws and coordinate services within designated areas. The role involves interviewing clients, assessing needs, and developing service plans to ensure delivery of appropriate support.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or related experience, with a preference for candidates holding a BSW or MSW.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or equivalent with two years of related experience as mandated by Virginia code.
• Possession of a BSW or MSW is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Interpret laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific areas of responsibility.
• Coordinate and administer assigned programs; monitor and provide services.
• Interview and assess client needs; develop and implement service plans to ensure delivery of appropriate services.
• Provide case management and monitor compliance; manage waiting lists and documentation.
• Prepare budget estimates and track expenditures; ensure payment for services.
• Conduct planning and reporting requirements; participate in interagency teams.

Skills

Motor vehicle

PC software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field

BSW or MSW desirable

Job description

General Work Tasks

• Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific areas of responsibility.
• Monitors, coordinates and administer specific programs as assigned.
• Coordinates services within specific areas of responsibility.
• Interviews and assesses customer needs and other relevant factors – such as education/skill levels, abilities, interests and support systems.
• Inform 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 expenditure, 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 areas 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 productive services and/or foster care.

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

• 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 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

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), and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

This position is covered under Code of Virginia 563.2-1601.1 or 563.2-1720 requiring the finalist candidate to 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.

Should the need arise, employees must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

This website will provide confirmation or receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.