Family Services Specialist III- (Child Protective Services)

City of Chesapeake Virginia; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Chesapeake is seeking a Family Services Specialist III to join the In-Home Services Unit within the Social Services Division. You will perform advanced case management, support families through complex situations, and possibly supervise staff in delivering critical human services.

You will provide assessments, crisis intervention, and direct services while collaborating with attorneys, community partners, and court systems to promote child safety and family well-being.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services field or related degree with two years of related experience.
• Minimum four years of related, full-time experience in the human services field.
• Valid driver’s license with driving record compliant with City standards.
• Emergency Duty (On-Call) participation is required to meet mandated responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide after-hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies involving protective services and foster care.
• Conduct investigations, screen referrals for validity, and assess risks to children.
• Develop service plans with clearly documented goals and tailored interventions.
• Transport children to placements, medical appointments, therapy, court, and visitation.
• Prepare and testify in court, coordinate cases with attorneys, and accompany clients to court.
• Interview all involved parties and gather information for case assessments.
• Provide program oversight, caseload management, and family support throughout the service process.
• File petitions, prepare home studies, and conduct court-ordered home and custody assessments.
• Collaborate with community partners and maintain accurate case records and documentation.

Skills

Family services

Crisis management

Decision making

Communication skills

Trauma-informed care

Legal processes

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services

Two years related experience

Job description

Family Services Specialist III- (Child Protective Services)

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Medical Marijuana:
In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.

Position Information

Working Title of Vacant Position

Working Title of Vacant Position Family Services Specialist III- (Child Protective Services)

Job Type

Job Type Full Time

Posting Type

Posting Type Public

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 2

Department

Department HUMAN SVCS

Division

Division HS-SS FAMILY SERVICES

Requisition Number

Requisition Number 2026251

Number of hours worked per week

Number of hours worked per week 40

Work Schedule

8 am – 5 pm/ Monday -Friday.
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term departmental needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Work Site Location

Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA

Position Driving Requirement

Position Driving Requirement R - Routine

Pay Grade

Pay Grade GE13

Pay Basis

Pay Basis Semi-Monthly

Advertised Salary

$61,647 / annually
Starting salary based on qualifications and experience

Job Description

Now Hiring: Family Services Specialist III
Chesapeake Department of Human Services – Social Services Division

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families? The City of Chesapeake is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Family Services Specialist III to join our In-Home Services Unit. This unit brings together Child Protective Services Ongoing and Prevention Services to focus on family preservation, safety, and well-being.

Our approach supports families across three key scenarios:

• Children residing in their own homes
• Children temporarily placed with kin
• Children in long-term kinship care with ongoing family connections

Using integrated, behavior-focused strategies, our team partners with families and community supports to ensure children are safe, families are engaged, and services are effective.

Position Summary:

As a Family Services Specialist III , you will provide advanced case management and may supervise staff in the delivery of critical human services. You’ll support families through complex situations by providing assessments, planning, crisis intervention, and direct services. This role is ideal for professionals who are skilled in navigating challenging dynamics with empathy, accountability, and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Provide after-hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies involving child/adult protective services and foster care
• Conduct investigations, screen referrals for validity, and assess both immediate and long-term risks to children
• Develop service plans with clearly documented goals, objectives, and tailored interventions
• Transport children to and from placements, medical appointments, therapy sessions, court, and family visitation
• Prepare and testify in court, coordinate cases with attorneys, and accompany clients to court appearances
• Interview all involved parties, establish and maintain collateral contacts, and gather comprehensive information for case assessments
• Provide program oversight, caseload management, and support to families throughout the service process
• File petitions, prepare home studies, and conduct court-ordered home and custody assessments
• Collaborate with community partners, attend professional workshops, and maintain accurate case records and documentation

What You Bring:

• Experience in family services, child welfare, or human services programs
• Strong decision-making, crisis management, and communication skills
• Knowledge of social work principles, trauma-informed care, and legal processes
• Ability to work independently within a supportive team environment
• Flexibility to work after hours when needed to meet urgent service demands

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a purpose-driven team focused on preserving families and protecting children
• Work in a supportive environment that values collaboration, professional development, and well-being
• Make a difference—every day, every case, every child

Help us shape brighter futures by supporting families when they need it most.

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure for a full list of benefits and employee perks.

Required Qualifications

VOCATIONAL / EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT : In order to be evaluated for vacancies in the Family Services Specialist job series, applicants shall possess the qualifications outlined in (1) OR (2) below:

1) A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the human services field, including Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Counseling and Guidance, Counselor Education, Human Services, Sociology, Family and Child Development, Aging Studies, Gerontology, Criminal Justice with a minor in one of the above studies, or other related degrees determined by the Department of Human Resources based on the similarity of the curriculum and course content.

2) A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field accompanied by a minimum of two years of appropriate and related, full-time equivalent experience in a human services related area. To be considered for promotion, persons currently employed in the Family Services Specialist job series by a local department prior to January 1, 1999, who do not meet the qualifications outlined in either (1) or (2) above, must possess four years of appropriate and related experience in a human services area and must have successfully completed all available competency-based training related to the promotional area.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT : In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of four years of appropriate and related, full-time equivalent experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES : Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards .

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : Emergency Duty (On-Call) participation is required to comply with mandated responsibilities as listed under Section 63.2-1503,B; Section 63.2-900; and 63.2-1604-63.2-1610, Code of Virginia. Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term departmental needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Transports children to placements, meetings, therapy sessions, doctor and dental appointments, and for visitation with families;
• Attends 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 assigns to appropriate groups;
• Informs clients of service programs and the rules and regulations, and right to participate;
• Conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility;
• Serves as resource to 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

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 10/05/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 10/25/2026

Open Continuous No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Medical Marijuana:
In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license ( CDL ) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.

ADA Checklist

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands S=Sedentary - Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or small weights frequently; sitting most of the time.

Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Standing

Standing Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Sitting

Sitting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Walking

Walking Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Lifting

Lifting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Lifting Amount

Lifting Amount Exerting up to 10 lbs

Carrying

Carrying Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Carrying Weight

Carrying Weight Exerting up to 10 lbs

Pushing/Pulling

Pushing/Pulling Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Pushing/Pulling Weight

Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 10 lbs

Reaching

Reaching Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Handling

Handling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Fine Dexterity

Fine Dexterity Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Kneeling

Kneeling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Crouching

Crouching Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Crawling

Crawling Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Bending

Bending Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Twisting

Twisting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Climbing

Climbing Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Balancing

Balancing Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Vision

Vision Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Hearing

Hearing Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Talking

Talking Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Foot Controls

Foot Controls Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used

Computer, copier, fax, telephone, scanner, adding machine, calculator, printer, car and related equipment.

Protective Equipment Required

Protective Equipment Required N/A

Health and Safety

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Mechanical Hazards

Mechanical Hazards N = Never

Chemical Hazards

Chemical Hazards N = Never

Electrical Hazards

Electrical Hazards S = Seasonally

Fire Hazards

Fire Hazards S = Seasonally

Explosives

Explosives S = Seasonally

Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases S = Seasonally

Physical Danger or Abuse

Physical Danger or Abuse S = Seasonally

Other

If Other, Description

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Dirt and Dust

Dirt and Dust D = Daily

Extreme Temperatures

Extreme Temperatures D = Daily

Noise and Vibration

Noise and Vibration D = Daily

Fumes and Odors

Fumes and Odors D = Daily

Wetness/Humidity

Wetness/Humidity D = Daily

Darkness or Poor Lighting

Darkness or Poor Lighting D = Daily

Primary Work Location

Non-Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Time Pressures

Time Pressures Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Emergency Situations

Emergency Situations Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Frequent Change of Tasks

Frequent Change of Tasks Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Tedious or Exacting Work

Tedious or Exacting Work Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Noisy/Distracting Environment Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Other

If Other, Description

Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)

No

Professional References

Professional References

Please provide contact information for professional references.

Minimum Requests 0

Maximum Requests 4

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Emergency Duty (On-Call) participation is required to comply with mandated responsibilities as listed under Section 63.2-1503,B; Section 63.2-900; and 63.2-1604-63.2-1610, Code of Virginia. Will you be able to meet this requirement?
  • Yes
  • No
• * In order to be evaluated for vacancies in the Family Services Specialist job series, applicants shall possess the qualifications outlined in (1) OR (2) below:1) A minimum ... 2) A minimum ...
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you possess a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City's Driving Standards? Please review link in posting for details.
  • Yes
  • No