Family Services Specialist II; PT-FPM Facilitator

Title Description

This is the full performance level in the occupational group for Family Services. Employees are responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods in Employment Services and Child Care, and basic service level caseloads of Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adoptions. Employees may provide services in all program areas or specialize in one or several program areas.

Typically employees perform all tasks independently and only seek supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory review or involvement. The Family Services Specialist II is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist III by the latter's functioning at the advanced level, becoming more specialized in program areas and assuming more complex duties such as interviewing/investigating in cases involving suspected child/adult abuse/neglect, out-of-home placements, guardian ships, emergency protective orders, and adoptions.

Responsible for scheduling, preparing (including interviewing), facilitating, and documenting FPMs involving the application of casework methods in basic service level caseloads of CPS, In‑Home, Foster Care and Adoptions.

• Interpret laws, policies and regulations as applied to the specific area of responsibility.
• Work collaboratively with workers, families, supports, service providers and community partners.
• Coordinate services within the specific area of responsibility.
• Interview clients through a trauma‑informed lens to identify strengths, needs and other relevant factors such as safety concerns, risk factors, adverse childhood experiences, support systems, etc. for the FPM.
• Manage the daily flow of referrals for Family Partnership Meetings that come into the Family Services Units and schedule these meetings in a timely manner by following state guidance.
• Coordinate FPMs by contacting family members, community partners, and agency staff involved in making decisions about the safety, permanency, and well‑being of children.
• Facilitate structured, solution‑focused group discussions that empower children and families to voice their concerns while addressing agency‑related issues.
• Document the Family Partnership Meeting in the state’s case‑management system and distribute a copy to all participants.
• Assist in providing in‑service training to staff and community on best practices for Family Engagement.
• Track statistical information related to Family Partnership Meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure child safety and improve outcomes in families.

Knowledge‑ Working knowledge of social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; and social, economic, and health problems.

Skills‑ Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.

Abilities‑ 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 to ensure delivery of appropriate services; make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client’s emotions to accomplish service objectives; plan and manage own work activities, including service delivery, preparing reports, correspondence, record‑keeping responsibilities and related activities;

establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22

VAC
40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia). Experience in assigned program area and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and…