Family Services Specialist III

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking a skilled professional to monitor, coordinate and administer assigned programs, provide comprehensive case management, and oversee foster care services. The role involves preparing service plans, presenting cases, and collaborating with courts and attorneys to ensure appropriate services for families.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services (BSW/MSW desirable) and the ability to navigate laws, policies and regulations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field with relevant experience.
• Possession of a BSW or MSW is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of social work principles and practice is preferred.
• Ability to interpret laws, policies and regulations related to the field.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, coordinate and administer assigned programs.
• Provide case management services and monitor compliance.
• Foster care casework and train foster parents.
• Prepare and present service plans; refer to community resources as needed.
• Testify in court and coordinate with attorneys as required.

Skills

Case management

Communication skills

Court testimony

Interviewing techniques

Legal/regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services

BSW or MSW desirable

Job description

General Work Tasks

• Monitors, coordinates and administers specific assigned programs.
• Coordinates services within specific areas of responsibility.
• Writes service plans and presents cases to determine appropriate services.
• Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services.
• Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific areas of responsibility.
• Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements.
• Manages program waiting lists.
• Provides case management services to monitor compliance.
• Provides foster care casework services.
• Trains foster parents; submits progress reports to the court.
• Refers families to treatment resources within the community.
• Transports children to placements, meetings, therapy sessions, doctor and dental appointments, and for visitation with families.
• Attend court, testifies in court and coordinates cases with attorneys.
• Provides parent education and support for families in target population.
• Conducts intensive in-home counseling; prepares reports to referral sources regarding status of various interventions.
• Interviews and assesses clients and assign to appropriate groups.
• Informs clients of service programs and the rules and regulations, and right to.
• Conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific areas of responsibility.
• Serves as resource for clients and the community in area of expertise.
• Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.
• Performs investigative duties to include screens referrals for validity, interviews all parties involved and assessed immediate and long-term dangers/risk to children.
• Develop written services plan documenting goals, objectives and details of the services provided for each case.
• Provides program administration and caseload management services.
• Conducts visits and maintains contact with other professionals.
• Accompany victims and their families to court appearances.
• Serves as support for the family, files petitions.
• Testifies in criminal and civil cases; prepares court ordered home assessments and custody home studies.
• Establishes and maintains case records.
• Codes, enters and updates new and on-going cases in the state computer information system.
• Represents the agency at various functions such as making speeches at civic and business associations, providing training and workshops on child/adult abuse and neglect for public and private organizations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge- Considerable knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; investigating and interviewing techniques; legal procedures as related to program area; and social, economic, and health problems.

Skills

Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated software and the operation of a motor vehicle.

Abilities - Demonstrated ability to:

• communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed;
• investigate high risk cases;
• testify in court proceedings;
• develop and present training programs and other presentations;
• interpret program laws, policies and regulations;
• develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client;
• analyze case information to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations;
• respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives;
• develop speeches and represent the agency on program training and workshops;
• work in stressful situations and maintain diplomacy;
• plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities;
• establish and maintain effective relationships with others;
• and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.

Preferred qualification

At least 2 years case management experience in child welfare (CPS, In-Home & Prevention or Permanency).

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 (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia). Considerable experience in assigned program area and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. 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.

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

Starting salary is $60,000.00, could be higher depending on qualifications and experience.