Family Services Worker I

City of Norfolk, VA; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus

Employer-paid pension plan

Parking

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

City of Norfolk is seeking a Family Services Worker I to conduct home studies, investigate abuse/neglect, and provide case management for CPS. The role involves coordinating with law enforcement and community partners, maintaining records, and appearing in court when required.

The position requires a Bachelor's in a Human Services field, with preference for a BSW/MSW and Virginia social work licensure. A driver’s license may be required; a signing bonus is offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field
• BSW or MSW degree desirable
• Virginia Social Worker license desirable

Responsibilities

• Investigates referrals of suspected child abuse/neglect.
• Conducts field visits to schools, homes, hospitals, and community settings.
• Works with law enforcement, licensing, and community partners to investigate/assess allegations.
• Determines clients’ needs based on interviews and plans appropriate action.
• Counsels clients about services available.
• Testifies in court as needed.

Job description

Description

Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself. Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) connects eligible citizens to federal, state and local resources for food, healthcare, childcare, cash assistance, workforce development, and energy and utility assistance. Some of the services we provide are Adult Protective Services, Services for at-risk youth and their families, Adoption and Foster Care, Resources for homeless families and individuals in Norfolk, college internships, Senior and Veterans assistance, and more. The DHS is seeking a Family Services Worker I who conducts home studies to assess family needs. Investigates reports of abuse and neglect of children, the elderly and the disabled and intervenes when necessary. Provides case management for clients in Child Protective Services and Family Support. Develops and implements service plans to address family and individual needs. Maintains records and reports consistent with local, state and federal policies. Investigate validated referrals of abuse and/or neglect. Continuously assess for safety and risk factors for children. Manage an assigned workload to ensure interviews, documentation, and safe alternative placements are conducted when necessary and in accordance with federal, state, and local guidance and procedures. Complete background checks, and work with Law Enforcement when applicable. Complete affidavits and appear in court and testify on behalf of the department for civil and criminal matters as needed. Conduct research and identify placement options when deemed necessary. Ensure all related documents are electronically scanned to the electronic file. Respond to CPS hotline calls after hours on a rotating basis.

Department Hiring Salary Range

$54190 - $62,185

Essential Functions

• Investigates referrals of suspected child abuse/neglect.


• Conducts field visits to schools, homes, hospitals, and various community settings.


• Works in collaboration with law enforcement, licensing, and a variety of community partners to investigate/assess child abuse/neglect allegations.


• Determines clients’ needs based on interviews and plans appropriate course of action.


• Advises and arranges protection for clients faced with emotional, physical, and environmental stress.


• Refers high and very high-risk families with a history of sexual abuse, chronic abuse/neglect, domestic violence for case management services,


• Must have the ability to be part of a multi-disciplinary team believing that the best solutions come from the families themselves.


• Take part in family team meetings to assure family empowerment, family involvement and ownership in the service planning process working through to solutions.


• Counsels clients to advise them of services available.


• Formulates a variety of court documents,


• Appear in court to advise, recommend, and testify concerning cases,


• Requires knowledge of social work principals and ethics with particular attention to respect and appreciation for family competencies.


• Maintains case files and prepares reports as required including OASIS and other local software programs.


• Requires the ability to work collaboratively with community-based agencies, police department and health care providers and court personnel so that the team works as one in the best interest of the family’s needs and wants.


• Provides crisis intervention when necessary.

Education / Experience

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field and minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia). Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.

No Experience Required

No Experience Required.

Additional Information & Requirements

• Valid Driver's License may be required depending on assignment.


• Successful completion of State mandated training within the first 24 months of employment.


• Signing Bonus: This position is eligible for a one‑time $5,000 signing bonus for new hires.


• Regular full‑time and permanent part‑time employees may receive paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, employer paid pension plan, basic life insurance, voluntary participation in medical and dental, Section 457 deferred compensation, long‑term disability, optional life insurance for self, spouse and children, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans, access to membership in credit union and employer provided parking.


• Special project/grant employees are generally eligible for the same benefits of regular full‑time employees; however, retirement, life insurance and participation in health plans vary depending on funding and authorization.


• Temporary/seasonal and part‑time employees are generally only eligible for employer provided parking and access to membership in credit union.

Retirement

If you are hired October 5, 2010, or after to a position with City of Norfolk Retirement System benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre‑tax payroll deduction.

If you are hired January 1, 2022, or after to a position with Virginia Retirement System (VRS) benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre‑tax payroll deduction.

Tuition Assistance Program

• The Tuition Assistance Program is established to encourage employees toward continued self‑development and education. Permanent full‑time and permanent part‑time classified, unclassified permanent, full‑time special projects, and constitutional employees who have completed six months continuous service will be eligible to apply. The applicant’s school of enrollment must be an accredited institution.

Note

The benefits described above are broad generalizations. The specific benefits that an employee may be eligible for are governed by City regulations, as applicable to job type.

Non‑City

Positions listed with a job type designation of "Non‑City" are not subject to the benefits descriptions above. Refer to the content of the job posting for information regarding these positions.