Family Services Specialist III-CPS

Hiring Range: $51,001 to $53,551

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

The Family Services Specialist III is a professional position under the supervision of a Family Services Supervisor that performs in program areas and assumes more complex duties such as interviewing/investigating in cases involving suspected child abuse, neglect, out-of-home placements, guardian ships, emergency removal and protective orders, testifying in legal proceedings; and placing children in foster/adoptive homes. Employees have contact with others and influence outcomes by participating in task force, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching and conducting outreach.

The Specialist develops and implements service plans for children and caretakers and maintains records throughout the client’s service relationship with the agency. The Specialist works with ancillary agencies such as Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts, Law Enforcement agencies, and mental health professionals, performs any assigned duties, and may report to the Family Services Specialist Supervisor or CPS Senior Worker. The Specialist assists in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required.

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field and 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). Considerable experience in the assigned program area and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Social work principles and practices
• Human behavior and motivational theory
• Laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas
• Investigating and interviewing techniques
• Legal procedures related to program area
• Social, economic, and health problems

• Operating a personal computer and associated software and operating a motor vehicle

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed
• Investigate high risk cases
• Testify in court proceedings
• Develop and present training programs and other presentations
• Interpret program laws, policies, and regulations
• Develop and implement service plans to ensure delivery of appropriate services to the client
• Analyze case information to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations
• Respond to clients’ emotions to accomplish service objectives
• Develop speeches and represent the agency on program training and workshops
  
  Work in stressful situations and maintain diplomacy
• Plan and manage work activities including service delivery, preparing reports, correspondence, record‑keeping responsibilities and related activities
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with others in the community

Completes required agency and program‑specific training; completes emergency shelter duty training and serves in shelters as mandated. Possible after‑hours and weekend work; work during inclement weather; work during other unusual conditions or overnight travel may be required. Acceptable Central Registry, Criminal Background and DMV driving records are required as a condition of employment. Must pass the agency’s background checks. The investigation may include State Police, FBI, local agency checks, employment verification, references, education verification, credit checks and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings. Possession of a valid driver’s license allowing operation of a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Virginia is required and the driving record must meet local agency policy requirements.