Family Services Specialist - Part-Time

Virginia Department of Social Services; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 38,000; Part time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services in Suffolk, VA, seeks a part-time social services worker to support the Permanency unit. The role involves counseling, case management, and coordinating services for clients with varied human services needs.

Under limited supervision, the candidate will screen clients, explain programs, pursue actions, and may train across Family Services divisions. A valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field with 2+ years of related experience.
• Knowledge of social work principles; strong oral and written communication; interviewing and counseling skills.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to develop and implement service plans and maintain case records.

Responsibilities

• Screen clients and explain social work programs.
• Determine necessary actions to meet client needs and counsel clients.
• Coordinate and/or provide access to human services assistance.
• Investigate allegations of abuse and neglect.
• Maintain case files and prepare required reports.

Skills

Communication skills

Interviewing

Counseling abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services

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

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This recruitment offers a part-time with predominantly flexible evening hours. The selected candidate will not be permitted to work more than 29 hours per week.

Under limited supervision, facilitates, coordinates, and provides leadership in the counseling and case management aspect in multiple social work service programs administered by the City Social Services Department. Primary designation will be in the Permanency unit; however, completion of training in all areas of the Family Services Division is a requirement of this position upon hire. Staff may be required to perform duties in other areas of the Family Services Division. May coordinate specific services provided by the department with overall responsibility for the daily activities and outcomes. Tasks include screening clients and explaining multiple social work service programs, determining and pursuing necessary action to meet client needs, counseling clients, and, providing or assisting in obtaining access to necessary human services assistance. Investigates allegations of abuse and neglect. Maintains various records and case files. Prepares required reports.

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.
• Working knowledge of social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health problems. Skill in: operating a motor vehicle and a personal computer.
• 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/family; 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 human services field.
• Requires a valid driver’s license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in the Human Service field with moderate to extensive experience in the same; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job
• Prefer working knowledge of case management and crisis intervention practices and experience managing caseloads involving vulnerable populations
• Prefer working knowledge of Social Services Permanency/ APS policies and procedures-
• Prefer experience as a Senior Family Services Worker
• Prefer experience handling progressively enhanced assignments routinely-Prefer candidates with experience performing on-call duties
• Prefer candidates with experience performing on-call duties

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, credit checks relevant to employment and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
• Employee must be willing to work disaster related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Contact information: [e-mail]

Suffolk Department of Social Services, 135 Hall Avenue Suffolk, VA 23434