Family Services Specialist - Foster Care

Family Services Specialist performs 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 within the Foster Care Division. The position may be assigned to a specific functional area and/or perform clinical work. Work is performed under supervision and reports to a Family Services Supervisor.

The preferred hiring amount for this position is $27.62 to $36.87 an hour ($57,435.41 to $76,681.12 annually). Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity.

• 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
• Professional development opportunities
• Retirement benefits:
  Choice of retirement plan
  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan – monthly benefit upon retirement, vesting after 5 years with a 5% employee contribution
  • Defined Contribution 401(a) Plan – employer matching contribution, vesting at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years, no employee contribution required
• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan

For additional details, visit the Employee Benefits webpage.

The position is advertised with a continuous closing date. Applications will be considered on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible. The job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days.

• Assesses the needs of clients and families to develop a service plan
• Investigates referrals and interviews clients as needed
• Takes applications for services and determines service eligibility
• Assesses and 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 timelines; prepares and submits court‑related documentation within established deadlines
• May testify in court proceedings and make recommendations to legal authorities
• Develops contacts and collaborates with community partners and service providers to make referrals to appropriate resources and maintain relationships
• 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 coordinates progress with the treatment team as necessary
• May be responsible as an on‑call staff on a rotating basis
• Responds upon activation from the City Manager of the Continuity of Operations Plan and/or Emergency Operations Plan
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools, and other resources
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance

• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field such as Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, or a similar area
• OR
  • Bachelor’s degree in any field AND 2 years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services related field; may be substituted as equivalent as mandated by Virginia statutes

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field
• Directly related case management experience in Virginia within the past 2 years
• Ability to communicate in a second language

• Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia Driver’s license and acceptable driving record
• Must pass a pre‑employment background check and drug screen

• Job Knowledge
  :
  Thorough knowledge of eligibility requirements for public assistance, child welfare, substance abuse, employment services, family services, and protective services; state and federal procedures and legal terminology
• Knowledge of counseling and social work principles
• Knowledge of community services and crisis intervention techniques
• Knowledge of human behavior and current social, economic, and…