Family Services Specialist I

Job Description

Title Description- Family Services Specialist I represents the entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as, Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/'Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. Employees perform routine- to journey-level casework activities and the casework usually is reviewed by the supervisor prior to implementing a case action. Upon completion of the training program and attainment of necessary approvals, the employee shall be redefined to a full-performance Family Services Specialist II and becomes eligible for a pay increase as defined by the local agency compensation plan. 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.

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- Some knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health problems.

Skills- Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.

Abilities- Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.

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 as mandated in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services. Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.

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. Some 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 personal computer with associated software. Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.

Preferred Qualifications: Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license. Experience with Child Protective Services, Foster Care, or Adult Protective Services.

Special Requirements: Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV driving record check, and pre-employment drug screen. The investigation may include; fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings. Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a declared disaster or emergency.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Application/resume for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application/resume.

Work experience must be documented on the application to be considered.

About Us

VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizen have access to best services and benefits available to them.