Family Services Specialist - Child Protective Services

This Family Services Specialist is assigned to Child Protective Services and performs responsible professional work in the support and assistance of agency clients through ongoing case management services and assisting agency clients with personal, social, health and economic needs. Performs complex professional work with multi-faceted social work cases involving families and children. Work involves investigating reports of abuse and neglect, evaluating child safety, and facilitating services that support and strengthen families.

Does related work as required and/or performs clinical work. Work is performed under the regular supervision of a Social Services Family Services Supervisor.

The preferred hiring amount is between $27.08 - $36.15 an hour ($56,326.40 - $75,192.00 Annually). Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This full-time, non-exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities.

This position is also eligible for the following benefits:

* Choice of retirement plan:

* Defined Benefit Pension Plan:
Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.

* Defined Contribution 401a Plan:
Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.

* Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

* Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan

The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the "Benefits" tab within this posting or visit the City's Employee Benefits webpage.

Note:

This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment.

This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description.  The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

* Assesses the needs of clients and families to develop a service plan.

* Investigates referral and interviews clients as needed.

* Takes applications for services and determines service eligibility.

* Assesses/monitors situations and progress of clients by conducting field visits.

* Provides clinical and/or non-clinical services to families by listening to concerns and monitoring progress.

* Completes associated casework within associated timelines; prepares and submits court-related documentation within established deadlines.

* May testify in court proceedings and makes recommendations to legal authorities.

* Develops contacts and collaborates with community partners and service providers to makes referrals for services to appropriate community resources and maintain relationships and continued referrals to programs.

* Conducts group information/education sessions for clients.

* Assists in the evaluation of programs and services.

* Provides trauma-supportive and appropriately responsive service.

* Conducts monthly home visits and may coordinate progress with the treatment team as necessary.

* May be responsible as an on-call staff on a rotating basis.

* Required to respond upon activation from the City Manager of the Continuity of Operations Plan and/or Emergency Operations Plan. Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Department guidelines.

* Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.

* Regular and reliable attendance.

Other Duties

* Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Education and Experience:

* Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field, such as Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, or similar…