Virginia Department of Social Services·Verona, Virginia
The specialist provides supportive services to high-risk children and families to prevent abuse, neglect, and foster care placement. Key tasks include conducting home visits, developing service plans, and coordinating with community partners to ensure child safety and permanency.
The Family Services Specialist III, Prevention position, is a professional position supervised by a Family Services Supervisor with Shenandoah Valley Social Services. The Agency serves the County of Augusta and the Cities of Staunton and Waynesboro. This position performs tasks in the provision of social services working in the Prevention Unit with children and families who have been identified through a CPS Investigation or Family Assessment as having High or Very High Risk for future Abuse/Neglect or who have been identified as having risk or potential risk of entering foster care. The employee will engage with families to maintain the child safely in their homes or with relative/kin caregivers in their own communities and work with multiple programs within the agency and with community partners to ensure the safety, well-being, and permanency of the child and will ensure services are provided to meet the needs of the family by accessing appropriate funding sources as needed.
Conducting home visits, continually assessing safety risk factors and service needs using multiple tools.
Coordinating and participating in Family Partnership Meetings, Child and Family Meetings, and other services related to meetings.
Developing and implementing service plans for children and caregivers.
Attending court hearings and testifying as needed.
Working with other community agencies and service and benefit programs within Shenandoah Valley Social Services in order to best meet the needs of the family.
Provide for timely documentation of all interactions.
Complete Family Assessments when allegations of abuse and neglect are present on an existing case and be available for on-call on an as needed basis.
Performing other duties that are identified as a need for the agency.
Completes required agency and program specific training; complete emergency shelter duty training and serve in shelters as mandated and required. Possible after hours and weekend work; work during inclement weather; work during other unusual conditions or overnight travel may be required. Acceptable Central Registry, Criminal Background, and DMV Driving Records are required as a condition of employment.
Minimum Qualifications: (Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification):
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field and minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).
Considerable knowledge of social work principles and practices; recognition of factors leading to abuse and neglect; family engagement practices; trauma informed care; factors leading to economic, health, and family relations problems; and laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; community services.
Proficient use of various computer software programs (Microsoft Office Products including Word and Excel, Google Email, electronic data, and case management systems); data entry, operating a computer/laptop, printer, scanner, and a variety of standard office machines (copy scanning, fax machines, and multi-line phone system) and equipment; operation of a motor vehicle; good time management practices; interviewing children and families; providing and accepting feedback.
Plan, organize and manage own work activities including, preparing accurate reports and correspondence, maintain timely documentation and related activities: understand and interpret laws. policies and regulations; clearly and effectively communicate ideas both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, engage families and refer clients to resources as needed; develop and implement service plans in order to ensure the delivery of appropriate services; make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies and regulations; respond to child and family emotions and other issues with empathy and objective understanding in order to accomplish service objectives; establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, associates and other social service agencies and the general public; work as part of a team, and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field. Must be able to gain understanding of CSA, other service units, and benefit programs and be able to effectively provide information and respond to questions from groups, clients, case managers, and the general public.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.
Applications, resumes, and references for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. A resume must be submitted with application. Mailed, emailed, faxed or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted.
Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information provided within the application and/or resume. Applications/Resumes must include complete work history.
Market context
In Virginia, Family Services Specialist III-Prevention roles are typically in steady demand where agencies need staff who can support families before crises escalate. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a bachelor’s degree, related experience, a valid Virginia driver’s license, and clearance through criminal, central registry, and DMV checks. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your experience aligns with prevention-focused casework before applying.
Family Services Specialist I/II (Adult Services)
Family Services Specialist I
Family Services Specialist I/II
