Family Services Specialist I

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Tappahannock (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services in Virginia is seeking a Family Services Specialist I, an entry-level position under supervision, training across Adult/Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. You will perform routine casework, with potential redefinition to Family Services Specialist II after training.

The role emphasizes service coordination, client assessments, and partnerships with agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field with two years of related experience.
• BSW or MSW degree and Virginia Social Worker license desirable.
• Knowledge of social work principles and practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Interprets laws, policies and regulations in area of responsibility.
• Monitors and coordinates programs within area.
• Coordinates services and assesses customer needs.
• Provides case management to monitor compliance and service delivery.
• Manages waiting lists and tracks expenditures and budget estimates.
• Prepares and submits planning and reporting requirements.
• Coordinates with other agencies and interagency teams.
• Provides after-hours on-call coverage for emergencies in child/adult protective services and foster care.

Skills

Communication skills

Interview & assess needs

Counsel & refer clients

Develop service plans

Judgment & decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field (2 yrs exp)

BSW or MSW desirable (Virginia license)

Tools

Motor vehicle

PC software

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.