FAMILY SERVICES SPECIALIST I/II

Hiring Range: $36,993 to MAY BE HIGHER DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
Additional Detail
Title Description- The Family Services Specialist I represents an entry-level employee receiving training in the areas of child welfare as well as adult protective/adult services. The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Family Services Supervisor and be mentored by senior level staff. The position involves extensive training both virtually and in-person prior to caseload assignments.The Family Services Specialist I is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist II by the latter's functioning more independently as a full performance Family Services Specialist.The selected candidates will have the ability for hybrid telework after completion of six months of employment with the agency. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Family Services Specialist II is the full performance level in the occupational group for Family Services. Employees are responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods in basic service level caseloads of Adult Services/Adult Protective Services. Employees may provide services in all program areas or specialize in one or several program areas. Typically employees perform all tasks independently and only seek supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory review or involvement. The Family Services Specialist II is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist III by the latter's functioning at the advanced level and becoming more specialized in program areas and assuming more complex duties (such as: interviewing/investigating in cases involving suspected child/adult abuse/neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianships, emergency protective orders, and adoptions).
General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) -

• Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility;
• Monitors, coordinates and administers specific programs as assigned;
• Coordinates services within specific area of responsibility;
• Interviews and assesses customer needs and other relevant factors - such as education/skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems.
• Informs clients of related service programs rules/regulations, and right to participate;
• Presents cases to determine appropriate services and writes/implements service plans;
• Provides case management services to monitor compliance;
• Manages program waiting lists;
• Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services;
• Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements;
• Coordinates with other agencies and participates in multi-disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers;
• Conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility;
• Serves as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise; and
• Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge- Knowledge of social work principles and practices, human behavior and motivational theory, and social, economic, and health problems. Knowledge of laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas and legal procedures as related to program area.
Skills- Skill in operating a motor vehicle. Skill in operating a personal computer with associated software; preferably Microsoft Office. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed.
Abilities- Ability to analyze case information to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations. Ability to respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives. Ability to plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
Education and Experience- Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field as mandated in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services.
Minimum Qualifications: Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field and a minimum of a year 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 and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.Possession of a BSW or MSW degree is desirable.
Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of social work principles and practices, human behavior and motivational theory, and social, economic, and health problems.
• Provides case management services to monitor compliance.
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle and holding a valid Virginia Driver's License.
• Skill in operating a personal computer with associated software, preferably Microsoft Office.
• Previous experience working with social work principles and practices.
• Experience with state associated database programs and software.
• Knowledge of laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas and legal procedures as related to program area.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
• Ability to plan and manage own work activities including service delivery, preparing reports and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities.
• Demonstrated ability to interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement service plans in order to ensure the delivery of appropriate services to the client.
• Ability to analyze case information to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations.
  

Special Requirements:
Applicants are subject to a Criminal History Background search, including anFBIFingerprint Background search, Central Registry search,DMV/driving record check
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screening.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applications for this position must be submitted through this website.
Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications will not be accepted.
Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application.

• APPLICANTMUSTINCLUDECOMPLETEWORKHISTORYWITHDETAILEDJOBDUTIESORTASKS.
• If applicable, include periods of unemployment.