Family Services Supervisor

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Front Royal (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking an APS Supervisor in Warren County to lead a team of family service staff, oversee high-risk cases, and drive program evaluation and policy improvements. The role emphasizes collaboration with law enforcement, courts, hospitals, and mental health providers to protect vulnerable adults.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's in a Human Services field and supervisory experience in adult or protective services, with a preference for BSW/MSW credentials

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field with 2+ years of human services experience; BSW/MSW desirable.
• Progressive leadership experience in adult or protective services or crisis-driven case management.

Responsibilities

• Supervise family service specialists and set objectives for unit quality and quantity.
• Guide staff through high-risk or dangerous cases and coordinate interventions with partners.
• Evaluate programs and budgets to optimize resources and recommend policy changes.
• Build and maintain relationships with hospitals, law enforcement, mental health providers, and public agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Policy interpretation

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field

BSW/MSW preferred

Tools

Peer Place

Job description

Why Warren County?

We aren’t your typical social services agency. We challenge traditional models by prioritizing family empowerment, continuous learning, and customer service. We don't just manage cases—we work together to inspire positive change and help local residents thrive. As our APS Supervisor, you will have the autonomy to shape local programs, advocate for the vulnerable, and develop a high-performing team of changemakers.

What You Will Do (The Impact)

• Lead & Mentor: Supervise family service specialists and inspire your team while setting objectives for the quality and quantity of work performed by the unit.


• Navigate Complex Challenges: Step up when things get tough. You will guide staff through difficult or dangerous cases, coordinate high-risk interventions, and collaborate with law enforcement and local courts.


• Innovate & Manage Programs: Look at the bigger picture. You will evaluate social service programs and program budgets to optimize resources. When you spot a gap, you will recommend policy changes based on your evaluation of program effectiveness.


• Connect the Community: Be the face of our program. You will establish and maintain good working relationships with community partners (hospitals, law enforcement, mental health providers), interpret the program to other agencies and the public, and participate in community planning to develop new resources, jobs, and work sites for local adults.

What We Are Looking For

• The Educator: A Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field (or any Bachelor’s degree paired with 2+ years of human services experience). A BSW or MSW is highly preferred!


• The Expert: Progressive professional experience in adult services, protective services, or crisis-driven case management, with a clear track record of leadership or supervisory capabilities.


• The Advocate: A deep understanding of Virginia adult protective laws, social work ethics, and the signs of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation.


• The Foundation: Competence with state data systems such as Peer Place, a valid driver's license, and the ability to clear all mandatory criminal and central registry background checks.

This title represents the supervisory level in the occupational group for Family Services. Employees supervise staff that provide direct services for fostering and sustaining the social, health, economic, behavioral, and emotional functioning of individuals and families serviced by the Local Departments of Social Services. Employees supervise, train, lead, and develop staff and monitor case management services. The Family Services Manager is distinguished from the by the latter’s responsibilities for supervising Family Services Supervisors and managing the direct services program performance.

General Work Tasks

• Supervises social workers, assistants and others;


• Sets and enforces objectives for quality and quantity of work performed by unit;


• Evaluates social service programs and program budgets;


• Applies appropriate human resource practices in the supervision of staff;


• Establishes and maintains good working relationships with others;


• Recommends policy changes based on evaluation of program effectiveness;


• Deals with difficult or dangerous cases;


• Interprets the program to other agencies and to the public; and


• Participates in community planning and development of new resources, jobs and community work sites.

Knowledge-

Considerable knowledge of: principles and practices of effective supervision; of policies, procedures and regulations relating to the various direct service programs; the literature in the field of human services programs; casework supervision principles and practices; principles and processes for providing customer and personal services to include needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of satisfaction; employment and/or social work principles, practices and treatment modalities; and social, economic, health and employment problems that face individuals, groups and communities.

Skills-

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

Abilities-

Demonstrated ability to: plan and manage work activities and assist others in their planning and management; develop programs and procedures; make decisions in difficult situations; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; apply treatment and intervention approaches; interpret laws, policies and regulations regarding human services, ensure compliance and recommend needed changes; supervise others working with clients; analyze situations to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; and train, evaluate, lead, and develop subordinate staff.

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/human services programs and completion of required training programs. Supervisory experience or work experience in a leadership role. 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.