Family Services Specialist III

Family Services Specialist III – Represents the full performance level responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods and basic service level caseloads of Adult/Adult Protective Services, UAI’s, Children’s Services Act (CSA), Guardianship, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption and Prevention Services. May be responsible for mentoring Family Services Specialists (I-II) and interns.

Family Services Specialist II is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist III by the latter functioning (as a lead worker or an expert resource specialist and assuming more complex duties) Duties associated with the Family Services Specialist III position includes, but are not limited to: Interpret laws, policies and regulations; monitor, coordinates, and administers specific programs as assigned; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; interviews and assesses customer needs and other relevant factors such as education/skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems; informs clients of related service program rules/regulations and right to participate; presents cases to determine appropriate services and writes/implements service plans; provides case management services to monitor compliance; tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services; completes necessary federal, state, and local planning and reporting requirements; conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility; serves as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise; provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in Child/Adult Protective Services and/or Foster Care; Testifies in criminal and civil cases; prepares court ordered home assessments and custody home studies; conduct recruitment activities to engage and enlist prospective resource families for foster care and adoption; and promote the objectives of CSA through ensuring that families and children participate in services that recognize their strengths and meet their needs, resulting in healthy productive citizens that emerge as contributing members of the community. 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.


 

This position requires updating/completing assignments, performing home visits, on-call rotation and other tasks associated with Family Services outside of business hours, including holidays. In addition, participation in community events and engagements is mandatory.

All other duties as assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or a Bachelor’s degree in any field with at least three years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area as mandated in Section22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services. Experience working in CPS or In-Home Services as a Family Services Specialist I or II in a local VA DSS. Experience working with community partners such as law enforcement, Commonwealth Attorney, Courts, school systems, Community Services Board, medical professionals, Mental Health Providers, and licensing.

Knowledge of Social Work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health problems.

Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software. 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 ensure 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 work activities including service delivery preparing reports and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; establish and maintain effective relationships (i.e. public, community partners, co-workers); and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the Social Work field.

 

Preferred Qualifications
Three or more years of experience providing case management services to youth and/or adults. Experience acquired from an internship is acceptable.

Experience in assigned program area(s) and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for optimal performance.

Direct knowledge of Foster Care Child Protective Services / Adult Protective Services policies and procedures.

Experience with agency associated software: OASIS, VACMs, SPIDeR, COMPASS, PeerPlace, Thomas Brothers, CANVaS, NEICE, EPPIC, VEMAT, etc.

Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

 

Special Requirements
Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search,
DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.

The investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency background assessments, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit inquiry (relevant to employment), and other screenings requested by the hiring authority.

EMPLOYMENT OFFERS ARE SUBJECT TO SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE NECESSARY BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS AND SCREENINGS.

Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license is required, in addition to a driving record that meets agency standards. Must be willing to participate in community shelter operations during disasters and/or emergencies, in addition to daily intake requirements. After hours on-call coverage on a rotating basis is required.

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

Bilingual English/Spanish skills.