Social Services Program Specialist

WV Department of Human Services; West Virginia; On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

WV Department of Human Services is seeking a Social Services Program Specialist to lead homeless services policy development and FVPSA funding coordination. The role includes administrative oversight of domestic violence and homeless programs, data analysis, reports, and federal/state reporting responsibilities.

The position also involves site visits, educational outreach to grantees, and monitoring to ensure compliance with program requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Three years full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience in social work, social services, or child welfare.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must obtain licensure as a Social Worker per WV Board regulations within timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Performs comprehensive programmatic management of social services grants including Domestic Violence and Homeless Services.
• Liaises to facilitate problem resolution and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local rules.
• Develops standards for social services grants and monitors operations to ensure impact.
• Plans, develops, implements, monitors, evaluates, and manages grants, contracts, and programs with stakeholders.
• Writes and reviews grant applications, monitors agreements, and prepares programmatic reports.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Data analysis

Policy development

Grant oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

General Description

Under general supervision, the Social Services Program Specialist performs work at the full-performance level in the Office of Policy and Programs, Division of Children and Adult Services, Policy Unit of the Bureau for Social Services. This position leads all homeless services policy development and maintenance and serves as the primary contact for Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) funds. The incumbent provides administrative oversight for domestic violence and homeless programs, acting as the Bureau for Social Services’ key liaison. This position will coordinate and obtain information related to federal reporting, analyzing and monitoring data, developing reports, and implementing department plans as they relate to these programs.

General Description

Under general supervision, the Social Services Program Specialist performs work at the full-performance level in the Office of Policy and Programs, Division of Children and Adult Services, Policy Unit of the Bureau for Social Services. This position leads all homeless services policy development and maintenance and serves as the primary contact for Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) funds. The incumbent provides administrative oversight for domestic violence and homeless programs, acting as the Bureau for Social Services’ key liaison. This position will coordinate and obtain information related to federal reporting, analyzing and monitoring data, developing reports, and implementing department plans as they relate to these programs.

This position is further responsible for data analysis, case reviews, writing reports, onsite monitoring, and technical assistance. This position is responsible for programmatic grant oversight for statewide programs including domestic violence and homeless services providers. This position ensures that all state and federal reporting for those grant funded entities occurs within the required time frames. This role supports the development of grants and contracts for statewide programs. This position represents the bureau on multiple associated workgroups and committees.

For the implementation and oversight of the FVPSA, the incumbent of this position will assist with monitoring the requirements associated, including but not limited to noncompliance, assisting in related research and recommendations for improvement in oversight and expansion of services, and assisting in the development of processes on monitoring FVPSA-related services when they are implemented.

The incumbent will partner with the relative organizations of the programs to provide technical support and monitoring for providers. This will include performing site visits/reviews of the providers, including Domestic Violence and Homeless.

Applicants must possess a valid WV driver’s license, and reliable transportation. Applicants also must have strong communication skills, both oral and written, and maintain detailed records and extensive documentation. Frequent travel may be required. Successful completion of a background check is required for employment.

Demonstrated experience in Child Welfare, Adult Services, Domestic Violence, or Homeless Services is preferred.

Posting Number BSS27OPP002

Counties of work: Statewide

Position Number: 0511P02409

Example Of Duties And Responsibilities

• Performs in a general role and ensures comprehensive, programmatic management of social services grants including but not limited to Domestic Violence programs, Homeless Services, and grants associated with them.


• Acts as liaison to facilitate problem resolution and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, laws, policies, and procedures governing the program or operational area.


• Primary responsibility for developing standards for social services grants and programs and for monitoring and evaluating operations. Ensures effective delivery of services, compliance with regulations, and the achievement of targeted outcomes.


• Performs work in the field of social services to plan, develop, implement, monitor, evaluate, and manage grants, contracts, programs, and positions that address the needs of individuals and families. This involves strategic planning, coordination, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to enhance the overall impact of programs.


• The position is responsible for writing and reviewing grant applications, monitoring grant agreements, developing programmatic reports, and ensuring compliance with program instructions for both incoming and sub-awarded grants and contracts.


• The position is responsible for providing education and training to grantees, agencies, and staff.


• The position is responsible for providing onsite technical assistance, as needed, to ensure that grantees meet agreements.


• The position is responsible for conducting onsite visits with grantees for purposes of monitoring activities.


• The position is responsible for developing statements of work and monitoring grant activities to ensure these are met.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience

Three (3) years full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience in an area related to social work, social services, or child welfare.

Experience Substitution

Additional education may substitute based on a year-for-year basis or as determined by the Office of Shared Administration Equivalency Chart .

Internal Applicants Only

Two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in Bureau for Social Services’ Field Operations or Field Support positions may substitute for the required experience.

Special Requirement

Valid driver’s license.

Note

Applicants hired into this classification must obtain licensure as a Social Worker from the West Virginia Board of Social Work within a timeframe established by the appointing agency. Until licensure is obtained, they may not perform duties that require a licensed social worker under state law or Board regulation.

About The Organization

The Bureau for Social Services champions the security, permanence, and welfare of children and vulnerable adults, empowering individuals and strengthening families. Formerly the Bureau for Children and Families, the Bureau for Social Services operates under the West Virginia Department of Human Services, serving children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults facing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Equipped with extensive training to handle delicate situations with compassion and dignity, these workers contribute to the advancement of a vibrant and healthy West Virginia by facilitating access to crucial healthcare, essential social services and benefits, and fostering safe, supportive, and healthy environments. Through this hard work, at risk populations can begin to thrive within the community.