Family Services Specialist

Drug Screening: 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.

Position Information

Working Title of Vacant Position

Working Title of Vacant Position Family Services Specialist I

Job Type

Job Type Full Time

Posting Type

Posting Type Public

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Department

Department HUMAN SVCS

Division

Division HS-SS FAMILY SERVICES

Requisition Number

Requisition Number 2026404

Number of hours worked per week

Number of hours worked per week 40

Work Schedule

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.

Work Site Location

Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA (100 Outlaw Street)

Position Driving Requirement

Position Driving Requirement R - Routine

Pay Grade

Pay Grade GE11

Pay Basis

Pay Basis Semi‑Monthly

Advertised Salary

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

Job Description

Family Services Specialist I

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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…