Family Services Worker - Adult Protective Services

Family Services Worker I

Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others.

With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself. Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.

The City of Norfolk's Department of Human Services (NDHS) provides a wide range of essential services to its citizens. These services are crucial in supporting the wellbeing of the community and ensuring that all citizens have access to the resources they need. NDHS is committed to providing such comprehensive support to its citizens.

The NDHS is seeking to fill a Family Services Worker I position in Adult Protective Services (APS) division. APS receives and investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults 60 years of age or older and incapacitated adults age 18 or older. If protective services are needed and accepted by the individual, local APS workers may arrange for a wide variety of health, housing, social and legal services to stop the mistreatment or prevent further mistreatment.

Services offered may include home-based care, transportation, adult day services, adult foster care, nutrition services and legal intervention in order to protect the adult. Services may also be arranged for individuals in emergency situations who lack the capacity to consent to services.

The Family Services Worker I ensures services are consistent with state and local policies of preserving families and providing services in the least restrictive environments.

Departmental Hiring Salary Range: $54,190-$62,319

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Complete face to face interviews with clients, collaterals, and alleged perpetrators to gather information in determining a preponderance of evidence in APS investigations.
• Assess for safety and risk of abuse/neglect/exploitation
• Complete forensic investigation by photographing injuries, environmental conditions, and all physical evidence of abuse and neglect.
• Partner with Law Enforcement and Regulatory Agencies during APS investigations.
• Complete accurate and thorough documentation of contact with all clients, collaterals, and alleged perpetrator contacts within required time frames.
• Respond to crisis situations and complete assessments to determine the need for additional mental and/or physical health services.
• Work with clients to develop individualized service plans that outline each client's needs to determine appropriate services to reduce their risk and assist in maintaining their independence.
• Use various assessments to determine a preliminary judgment of a client's capacity and decision-making abilities.
• Assist in locating facility placement, implement in-home services to allow clients to remain in the community, and/or link with appropriate community resources.
• Assist in applying for Medicaid, Auxiliary Grants, and/or SNAP.
• Facilitate initiating Guardianship of incapacitated adults.
• Provide education to the community and facilities about adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Participate in projects to improve the quality of service provided by APS.

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field and minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area. Possession of a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) degree are desirable. No experience required. Prior APS or CPS Investigation and/or Hotline/Call Center experience is preferred, but not required.

Valid Driver's License required. Successful completion of State mandated training within the first 24 months of employment. Signing Bonus:
This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus for new hires.

Working Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM