Family Services Specialist I

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 

· 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;

· Coordinates with other agencies and participates in multi-disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers; 

· 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- 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.