Family Services Specialist

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.

Full Time

Public

1

HUMAN SVCS

HS-SS FAMILY SERVICES

2026404

40

8 am – 5 pm;
Monday – Friday Schedule varies depending on operational needs 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.

Chesapeake, VA (100 Outlaw Street)

R
- Routine

GE11

Semi-Monthly

$55,854 / annually Actual starting salary based on qualifications and experience

The Family Services Specialist I provides professional social work services to children and families through the Department of Human Services’ In-Home Prevention Services program. The position partners with families, children, relatives, community providers, and other support systems to promote child safety, permanency, and well-being while supporting children safely within their homes and communities whenever possible.

The position uses a family-centered, safety-focused, and collaborative approach to assess family strengths, needs, risks, and protective capacities; develop and monitor individualized service plans; coordinate services; and support meaningful, sustainable outcomes.

The position may serve children living with parents or caregivers, temporarily with relatives or kin, or long-term with relatives or kin while maintaining appropriate parental relationships and visitation.

• Engage families and support systems in assessment, case planning, and decision-making.
• Assess child safety, family functioning, risks, strengths, and protective capacities.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized, behavior-based service and safety plans.
• Coordinate services with community providers, schools, healthcare organizations, and other partners.
• Conduct home visits, interviews, field contacts, and other required case activities.
• Monitor progress, reassess needs, and adjust services as circumstances change.
• Provide case management, counseling, education, referrals, advocacy, and supportive services.
• Respond to crisis situations and address identified safety and family needs.
• Maintain accurate case records, assessments, reports, correspondence, and required documentation.
• Participate in case consultations, team meetings, staffing, court proceedings, and administrative reviews.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and professional standards.
• Establish effective working relationships with families, coworkers, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain current knowledge and skills through required training and professional development.
• Conduct training for service providers and participate in provider certification and recertification activities, as assigned.
• Rotate through…