Senior Family Services Specialist - Foster Care

Senior Family Services Specialist

Provides professional administrative and lead work in case management in support of and assistance to agency clients within the Foster Care Division. Serves as a resource for staff assigned to a variety of programs. Work is performed with limited supervision and reports to a Family Services Supervisor.

The preferred hiring amount for this position is between $31.62 - $41.35 an hour ($65,757.80 - $85,998.54 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 retirement 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. 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.

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 individuals/family needs, counsels clients, prepares service plans.
• Coordinates specialized and complex departmental service programs.
• Provides training and guidance to staff regarding policy as well as operating systems. Serves as policy expert.
• May determine validity of reports received by adult/child protective services for assignment to workers.
• Handles complex and difficult cases of assigned area, which may include working with abandoned, abused and/or neglected children and/or adults, or foster care based on assigned area.
• Completes associated casework within associated timelines; prepares and submits court‑related documentation within established deadlines.
• May provide group work, client or provider training, meeting facilitation, and public presentations.
• Serves as a resource to other department staff; consults with/advises others on case planning and service delivery.
• Participates in developing, coordinating and enhancing agency and community resources.
• Provides expert testimony and recommendations for court proceedings when necessary.
• Provides trauma‑supportive and appropriately responsive service.
• Conducts monthly home visits and may coordinate progress with the treatment team as necessary.
• Evaluates programs and services rendered to clients.
• Represents the department and interprets agency programs to other agencies, community groups, and associations.
• 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.

• May…