Family Services Specialist

This is a professional position for Foster Care.

AFamily

Services Specialist Irepresentstheentrylevel employeesworkingunderclose supervision while being trained in program areas such as Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services ,Foster Care/Adoption.

Employeesperformroutineentry level casework activities,andthecaseworkisusuallyreviewed bythe

Supervisor priorto implementing case action. Upon completion of the training program and attainment of necessary approvals, the employee shall be redefined to a full-performance Family Services Specialist II and becomes eligible for a pay increase as defined by the local agency compensation plan. The Family Services Specialist I is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist II by the latter’s functioning more independently as a full performance Family Services Specialist.

General work tasks include, but not limited to:

Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility. Monitors, coordinates and administers specific programs as assigned. Coordinates services within specificareaofresponsibility.

Interviewsandassessescustomer needs andotherrelevant factorssuchaseducation/skill levels, abilities,interestsandsupport systems. Informs clients of related service programs rules/regulations and right to. participate. Presents cases to determine appropriate services and writes/implements service plans.

Providescasemanagementservices tomonitorcompliance.

Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements. Conducts overallmonitoringofprogramsinspecificareaofresponsibility.

Servesasresource to clients and the community in area of expertise. Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds toemergenciesinchild/adult protective service sand/orfoster care.

• Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services field or a minimum of a Bachelor's Degreeinanyfieldwithaminimum oftwoyearsofappropriateandrelatedexperiencein a Human Services area as mandated in Section 22
  
  VAC
  40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services.
• Someknowledgeofsocialworkprinciplesandpractices,humanbehaviorand motivational theory, and social, economic, and health problems.
• Knowledgeoflaws, policies,andregulationsrelatingtohuman servicesprogramareas and legal procedures as related to program area.
• Skillinoperatingamotorvehicle. Skillinoperating apersonalcomputer with associated software; preferably Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed; develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; investigatehighriskcases; testifyincourt proceedings;makesoundjudgments within theframeworkofexisting laws,policies,and regulations;respond totheclient's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities;
  
  establish and maintain effective relationships;andstayabreast ofcurrenttrends anddevelopmentsinthesocial work field.

• Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and/or a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license. Prefer previous experience working with social work principles and practices. Prefer experience with agency associated software. Prefer experience in assigned program area and completion of required training programs. Bilingual English/Spanish.
  
  Experienceasafamilyservicesspecialistworkerwithalocalsocial…