Virginia Department of Social Services·Stafford, Virginia
The specialist is responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans using casework methods for child and adult protective services. Specifically, the FPM Facilitator schedules, prepares, and documents Family Partnership Meetings to coordinate services for families.
Title Description- 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). *The Family Partnership Meeting (FPM) Facilitator is responsible for scheduling, preparing (including interviewing), facilitating, and documenting FPM's involving the application of casework methods in basic service level caseloads of CPS, In-Home, Foster Care and Adoptions.
About working in Stafford County DSS: https://vimeo.com/910172119 [https://vimeo.com/910172119] Stafford County Website: https://www.staffordcountyva.gov/ [https://www.staffordcountyva.gov/]
Skills- Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.
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.
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 (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia). 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 and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.
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
Experience in foster care, adoptions, CPS and/or In-home and completion of VDSS training programs or equivalent combination of training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Proficiency with personal computer and associated software to include Microsoft Word.
Ability to meet deadlines and maintain case documentation within a case management system.
Experienced facilitation, de-escalation and re-direction of clients, family members, professionals during FPMs.
Strong verbal and communication skills; skill in interviewing to gather, interpret, and use data appropriately; excellent organization skills; ability to handle multiple tasks and work effectively as a team member.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with families to identify solutions to specific issues and/or challenges such as parenting, behavior management, childcare, financial stability, housing mental health, substance abuse, etc.
Experience assembling information and making written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner.
Market context
In Virginia, Family Services Specialist II roles with foster care, adoption, or CPS duties tend to draw steady interest because they combine direct client support with child welfare casework. Candidates are often compared on related experience, comfort with Microsoft Word, and the ability to handle sensitive family situations; review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time before applying. A practical next step is to confirm your degree path and highlight any foster care, adoption, or CPS experience in your application.
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