Family Services Specialist

• Represents the entry‑level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas, specifically Foster Care and Adoption.
• Performs 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.
• Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility.
• Monitors, coordinates and administers specific programs as assigned.
• Coordinates services within specific area of responsibility.
• 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.
• Present cases to determine appropriate services and writes/implements service plans.
• Provides case management services to monitor compliance.
• Manages program waiting lists.
• Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services.
• Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements.
• Coordinates with other agencies and participates in multi‑disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers.
• Conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility.
• Serves as a resource to clients and the community in the area of expertise.
• Provides after‑hours on‑call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.

• 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 22
  
  VAC
  40-670-20 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.

Below are skills and terms extracted directly from this job posting to improve Applicant Tracking System (ATS) visibility. This unique feature helps candidates tailor their applications more effectively — a feature exclusive to Job Tailor job listings.

• casework
• case management
• budget preparation
• service plan implementation
• program monitoring
• expenditure tracking
• needs assessment
• regulatory interpretation
• program administration
• multi‑disciplinary coordination

• communication
• interpersonal skills
• organizational skills
• problem‑solving
• team collaboration
• client advocacy
• empathy
• adaptability
• conflict resolution
• time management

• BSW
• MSW
• Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license