Family Services Specialist I/II - In Home Practice

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- 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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

Considerable experience in assigned program area/human services programs and completion of required training programs.

Current experience with the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), including In‑Home Practice, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that demonstrates the necessary knowledge, skills, and 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; analyzing, interpreting, and applying complex federal and state laws and regulations; make sound judgments within the framework of existing state and federal laws, policies, and regulations.

Work experience in a human services field or an internship in a human services field preferred. Work experience in a local department of social services office is preferred.

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.

Experience with and understanding of agency software programs such as VaCMS, OASIS, and Safe Measures.

Veteran and/or Disabled Veteran.

Special Requirements

Applicants will be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search and DMV/driving record check. 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.

Driving record and valid license must be submitted before actual start date if being considered for employment.

Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Employee must be willing to assist Family Services with care of high acuity foster care youth.

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.