Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

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

Expect routine-to-journey-level casework with supervisor review before actions are implemented. Responsibilities include interviewing, assessing needs, developing service plans, providing case management, and coordinating interagency

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a Bachelor’s degree in any field with two years of related experience.
• Possession of a BSW or MSW and Virginia Social Worker license is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Interpret laws, policies and regulations within area of responsibility.
• Coordinate services and administer programs as assigned.
• Interview and assess client needs and develop service plans.
• Provide case management to monitor compliance and outcomes.
• Maintain waiting lists and track program expenditures and budgets.
• Coordinate with other agencies and participate in interagency teams.
• Provide after-hours on-call coverage for emergencies in child/adult protective services and foster care.

Skills

Communication skills

Interviewing

Case management

Motor vehicle operation

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services

Bachelor’s degree in any field + 2 years related experience

Job 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.

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:

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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Special Requirements:

All applicants are subject to DMV/driving record check, Central Registry (CPS) check and/or criminal history search.

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.

Employees must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.