Family Services Specialist I/II

Job Description: Family services specialist ii

• This 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 Employment Services and Child Care, and basic service level caseloads of Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, Adoptions.
• 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).

This position is ideal for candidates who are dedicated, empathetic, and of high character—individuals who find fulfillment in making a lasting impact on the lives of children, families, and vulnerable adults in our community.

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• 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.

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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 as mandated in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services.
• 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 (Microsoft Office including Word and Excel).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; plan and manage own work activities; and establish and maintain effective relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of a MSW degree is desirable.
• Experience working directly with diverse groups of clients, co-workers and community agencies, in a criminal justice and/or human services setting.
• Experience working with families that have been impacted by substance abuse disorders and/or generational poverty.
• Working knowledge of the Practice Profiles (Advocating, Assessing, Collaborating, Communicating, Demonstrating Cultural and Diversity Competence, Documenting, Engaging, Evaluating, Implementing, Partnering and Planning).
• Experience working with families to prevent out of home placements.
• Demonstrated ability to provide Court testimony.

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge – Working knowledge of

social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; and social, economic, and health problems.

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

Abilities – Demonstrated ability to

communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed; develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.

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• Special Requirements This position is covered under Code of Virginia §63.2- 1601.1 or §63.2-1720 requiring the finalist candidate to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Virginia Child Abuse Central Registry. Applicants may be subject to additional background checks including a DMV/driving record check, pre-employment drug screening, local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment}, credit checks (relevant to employment), and other checks as determined necessary and appropriate to the position to be filled.
• All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.
• Employee will be required to participate in afterhours on­ call schedule on a rotating basis and must be willing to work in community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency, or work during unscheduled office closures
• Employee must be able to telework if necessary.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website of www.jobs.virginia.gov [http://www.jobs.virginia.gov]. Mailed, e-mailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to provide a complete relevant listing of work experience and qualifications in the applicable sections of application. Selection of candidates for interviews is based upon the information contained in the application package.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.