Family Services Specialist I

Family Services Specialist I – Family Partnership Meeting Facilitator

Family Engagement Unit

Salary Range: $42,542-$79,088

General Statement of Job

Under direct supervision, the Family Partnership Meeting Facilitator, facilitates FPMs for CPS, In-home, Foster Care and Adoptions.  The facilitator is responsible for scheduling, preparing (including interviewing), facilitating and documenting FPMs in accordance to agency standards and the states guidance.

The Family Partnership Meeting Facilitator plays a crucial role in coordinating and leading state-mandated Family Partnership Meetings (FPMs).  FPMS serve as a platform for collaboration between families, community partners, service providers and the agency.  This position is dedicated to actively engaging and supporting families involved in the child welfare system, ensuring their voice is heard and access to necessary resources.

The facilitator also helps to train new staff about FPMs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to support families effectively and navigate the complexities of the system.  Through these efforts, the Family Partnership Meeting Facilitator helps foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for families in need.

This position is essential. Personnel occupying this position may be scheduled to work regardless of weather conditions and/or when general County offices are closed. While typical office hours are expected, employees must be flexible in meeting the needs of the family’s schedules.

Special Duties & Responsibilities

• Works collaboratively with workers, families, supports, service providers and community partners

• Interprets laws, policies, and regulations as applied to specific areas of responsibility.

• Interviews clients through a trauma-informed lens to identify strengths, needs and other relevant factors such as safety concerns, risk factors, adverse childhood experiences, support systems, etc. for the FPM

• Manages the daily flow of referrals for Family Partnership Meetings that come to the Family Engagement unit and schedules these meetings in a timely manner, following state guidance

• Coordinates FPMs by reaching out to family members, community partners, and agency staff involved in making decisions about the safety, permanency, and well-being of children

• Facilitates structured, solution-focused group discussions that empower children and families to voice their concerns while addressing agency-related issues

• Documents the Family Partnership Meeting in the state’s case management system and distributes a copy to all participants

• Assists in providing in-service training to staff and community on best practices for Family Engagement

• Tracks statistical information related to Family Partnership Meetings

• Performs other duties as assigned to ensure child safety and improve outcomes in families.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of social, economic and health problems; general knowledge of social institutions and the methods of assistance.

• Working knowledge and understanding of Virginia child welfare system.

• Possess critical thinking skills, ability to apply critical thinking, knowledge, and research to multiple scenarios in the field, as well as an office setting.

• Ability to meet deadlines and maintain case documentation within a case management system.

• 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. 

• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with clients, coworkers, community professionals, supervisors, and members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the department. 

• Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner. 

• Ability to use independent judgment and work with indirect supervision as situations warrant. 

• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency with computers and related software programs.

• Ability to write with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar. 

• Ability to speak with and before others with poise, professionalism and confidence. 

• Ability to de-escalate/re-direct clients, family members, professionals while maintaining composure during FPMs

• Ensures written reports of the FPM reflect the entirety of the meeting

• Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with an emergency.

• Ability to testify and present accurate information in court if subpoenaed due to job responsibilities

Minimum Training & Experience

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 Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services, Sociology, Human Services, Psychology or closely related field accompanied by a minimum of one (1) to two (2) years’ experience in a human service-related area or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position. 

Must possess and maintain a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license.

Bilingual applicants encouraged to apply.

Special Requirements

Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and must be able to meet agency insurance policy standards. and/or pre-employment drug screen. 

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. 

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

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 Central Registry.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications/resumes for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. This website will provide confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information provided. The agency will not be conducting phone interviews. Please refer to your LHRC account for the status of your application and this position. Selected applicants will be contacted by the phone number and/or email listed on application/resume.

Contact Information

Name Marie Hopkins

Phone: 540-564-6163

Email: marie.hopkins@dss.virginia.gov 

Address: Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District 

110 North Mason Street Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802