Family Services Specialist III-CPS

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Verona (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Social Services seeks a Family Services Specialist III for the Child Protective Services unit. You will perform complex duties including interviewing and investigating cases of suspected child abuse, aiding in foster/adoptive placements, and testifying in legal proceedings.

You will maintain client records and collaborate with courts and mental health professionals. You will develop and implement service plans for children and caretakers, coordinate with Juvenile and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or a Bachelor's in any field with two years of related Human Services experience.
• Knowledge of social work principles, laws and regulations in child protection.
• Ability to interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients.

Responsibilities

• Interview and investigate cases involving suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Develop and implement service plans for children and caretakers.
• Maintain client records and prepare reports.
• Testify in legal proceedings and coordinate with courts and law enforcement.
• Assist in emergency shelter duties and work with community partner agencies.

Skills

Interviewing

Investigation

Communication

Court testimony

Case analysis

Service planning

Record keeping

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

Bachelor's degree plus related experience

Job description

Title Description:

General Description and Conditions of Work:

The Family Services Specialist III with the Child Protective Services unit, is a professional position under the supervision of a Family Services Supervisor that performs in program areas and assumes more complex duties such as: interviewing/investigating in cases involving suspected child abuse, neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianships, emergency removal and protective orders, testifying in legal proceedings; and placing children in foster/adoptive homes. Employees have contact with others and influence outcomes by participating in task force, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching and conducting outreach. Develops and implement services plans for children and caretakers. Employees will maintain records through the course of the client’s service relationship with the agency. Performs work with specific ancillary agencies such as Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts, Law Enforcement agencies and mental health professionals. Will perform any other assigned duties. The Family Services Worker III may report to the Family Services Specialist Supervisor or CPS Senior Worker. Assists in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification):

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field and 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 the assigned program area and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

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 in:

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

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 judgements 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, recordkeeping responsibilities and related activities;
• establish and maintain effective relationships with others in the community.

Special Requirements/Experience:

Completes required agency and program specific training; complete emergency shelter duty training and serve in shelters as mandated and required. Possible after hours and weekend work; work during inclement Weather; work during other unusual conditions or overnight travel may be required. Acceptable Central Registry, Criminal Background and DMV Driving Records are required as a condition of employment. Must pass the agency’s background checks. The investigation may include State Police, local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings. Acceptable background checks and possession of a valid driver’s license allowing operation of a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Virginia is required. Driving record must meet local agency policy requirements.