Family Services Specialist III-; Child Protective Services

Family Services Specialist III- (Child Protective Services)
Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Medical Marijuana:
In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.

Working Title of Vacant Position Family Services Specialist III- (Child Protective Services)

Job Type Full Time

Posting Type Public

Number of Vacancies 2

Department HUMAN SVCS

Division HS-SS FAMILY SERVICES

Requisition Number 2026251

Number of hours worked per week 40

Work Schedule 8 am – 5 pm/ Monday
-Friday.
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term departmental needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA

Position Driving Requirement R - Routine

Pay Grade GE13

Pay Basis Semi-Monthly

Advertised Salary $61,647 / annually
Starting salary based on qualifications and experience

Now Hiring:
Family Services Specialist III
Chesapeake Department of Human Services – Social Services Division

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families? The City of Chesapeake is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Family Services Specialist III to join our In-Home Services Unit. This unit brings together Child Protective Services Ongoing and Prevention Services to focus on family preservation, safety, and well-being.

Our approach supports families across three key scenarios:

• Children residing in their own homes
• Children temporarily placed with kin
• Children in long-term kinship care with ongoing family connections

Using integrated, behavior-focused strategies, our team partners with families and community supports to ensure children are safe, families are engaged, and services are effective.

Position Summary:

As a Family Services Specialist III , you will provide advanced case management and may supervise staff in the delivery of critical human services. You’ll support families through complex situations by providing assessments, planning, crisis intervention, and direct services. This role is ideal for professionals who are skilled in navigating challenging dynamics with empathy, accountability, and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Provide after-hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies involving child/adult protective services and foster care
• Conduct investigations
  , screen referrals for validity, and assess both immediate and long-term risks to children
• Develop service plans with clearly documented goals, objectives, and tailored interventions
• Transport children to and from placements, medical appointments, therapy sessions, court, and family visitation
• Prepare and testify in court
  , coordinate cases with attorneys, and accompany clients to court appearances
• Interview all involved parties
  , establish and maintain collateral contacts, and gather comprehensive information for case assessments
• Provide program oversight
  , caseload management, and support to families throughout the service process
• File petitions, prepare home studies
  , and conduct court-ordered home and custody assessments
• Collaborate with community partners
  , attend professional workshops, and maintain accurate case records and documentation

• Experience in family services, child welfare, or human services programs
• Strong decision-making, crisis management, and communication skills
• Knowledge of social work principles, trauma-informed care, and legal processes
• Ability to work independently within a supportive team environment
• Flexibility to work after hours when needed to meet urgent service demands

• Be part of a purpose-driven team focused on…