Family Services Specialist I/II- (Gloucester)

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Gloucester (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Gloucester Department of Social Services seeks Family Services Specialist I/II in the Services Unit. The role involves training in child welfare, adult protective/adult services and foster care, under supervision.

Training occurs both virtually and in-person before taking caseloads; Specialist II works more independently with full performance responsibilities. Responsibilities include intake, assessing client needs, developing service plans, coordinating with agencies, and providing after-hours

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a bachelor’s degree with 2 years related experience as mandated by Virginia code.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work assignments.

Responsibilities

• Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to the area of responsibility.
• Monitors, coordinates and administers specific programs as assigned.
• Coordinates services within the area of responsibility.
• Interviews and assesses client needs and other factors such as education/skill levels and support systems.
• Presents cases to determine appropriate services and writes/implements service plans.

Skills

Interviews and assessments

Case management

Communication skills

Driver's license

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

Bachelor's degree + 2 years related experience

Tools

Database software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description:

Gloucester Department of Social Services is seeking to fill positions within the Services Unit. The Family Services Specialist I represents an entry-level employee receiving training in the areas of child welfare as well as adult protective/adult services and foster care. The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Family Services Supervisor and be mentored by senior level staff. The position involves extensive training both virtually and in-person prior to caseload assignments. 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.

Family Services Specialist II is the full performance level in the occupational group for Family Services. Employees are responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods. Employees may provide services in all program areas or specialize in one or several program areas. Typically, employees perform all tasks independently and only seek supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory review or involvement.

• 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 plan
• 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
• Provides intake duties to include information regarding community services and entering APS/CPS referrals
• Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care
• Shelter duty – When activated by the County Administrator, must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter

Hiring Range:

$55,000 (May be higher depending on qualifications and budgetary considerations)

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:

• Knowledge of social work principles and practices, human behavior and motivational theory, and social, economic, and health problems.
• Provides case management services to monitor compliance.
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle and holding a valid Virginia Driver’s License.
• Skill in operating a personal computer with associated software, preferably Microsoft Office.
• Previous experience working with social work principles and practices.
• Experience with state associated database programs and software.
• Knowledge of laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas and legal procedures as related to program area.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
• Ability to plan and manage own work activities including service delivery, preparing reports and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities.
• Demonstrated ability to interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement service plans in order to ensure the delivery of appropriate services to the client.
• Ability to analyze case information to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations.
  

Special Requirements:

Applicants are subject to a Criminal History Background search, including anFBIFingerprint Background search, Central Registry search,DMV/driving record check.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screening.