Family Services Specialist II - Child Protective Services

Family Services Specialist II
- Child Protective Service

The City of Richmond Department of Social Services is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Family Services Specialist II
- Child Protective Service in the Division of Children, Families & Adults. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of children and following up on reports of abuse and neglect of children.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring safety of children in the department's care
• Responding to hotline reports
• Investigating alleged cases of abuse and neglect
• Providing or coordinating interventions and services to families at risk or families where children have been removed
• Conducting interviews to gather evidence
• Petitioning the court for removals and protective orders
• Preparing documentation and recommendations for court
• Testifying and executing court-orders
• Developing service plans
• Establishing and maintaining individual case records
• Transporting clients to ensure their welfare or facilitate the delivery of appropriate services
• Supervising cases, monitoring progress and compliance with court orders and providing case management for children and families

** City of Richmond Department of Social Services employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to work during inclement weather and times of declared emergencies**

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Considerable knowledge in principles and practices in the human services field, including knowledge of programs, social-economic trends, and behaviors that impact the delivery of human services; and State and local policies and procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Demonstrated skills in advocating and counseling; administering individual and family assessments and interpreting results; interviewing; case management, including reporting and documenting; oral/written communication; and conducting forensic interviews.
• Demonstrated ability in understanding and interpreting policies, procedures, regulations, and laws; thinking critically; manage time effectively; make sound judgments; problem solve; and analyze, assess, and evaluate data.

Minimum training and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field OR Bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in 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
• Experience in assigned program area and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Licensing, certifications, and/or other special requirements:

• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

Preferred training and experience:

• Two (2) or more years of Social Work experience working with families
• Advanced computer, written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of best practices and policies used throughout the reunification and permanency process
• Working knowledge of the Commonwealth of Virginia court system
• Proficient crisis intervention techniques and case management skills
• Effectively develop relationships among a diverse, socio-economic class of clients
• Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish fluently
• Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.