Family Services Worker II - Foster Care

Position Overview

The City of Norfolk’s Department of Human Services (NDHS) is seeking a Family Services Worker II to work in the Foster Care division. The role focuses on preparing children and families for transition into foster or adoptive homes, supporting finalization of adoptions, and working with biological parents and/or relatives to facilitate transitions back to their custody. The Family Services Worker II specializes in program areas such as adoption, reunification, independent living, and kinship care, carrying out complex duties as needed.

• Recruit, assess, select, and match foster/adoptive families for children in care; prepare children and families for transition into foster/adoptive homes; provide support to children and families in finalizing adoptions; work directly with biological parents and/or relatives to prepare for transition and return to their custody.
• Manage caseloads by maintaining files, making telephone contacts, arranging referrals to private vendors for services, preparing documents, authorizing payments, and providing coverage as a lead worker.
• Prepare for court by attending hearings with written reports and verbal testimonies, filing petitions and affidavits, preparing witnesses and court reports, and coordinating activities with attorneys and law enforcement.
• Provide case management in conjunction with the supervisor and other relevant parties; keep factual and timely formal records using computer‑based and other information systems; cooperate in any agreed quality assurance process operated by the Service.
• Conduct home studies, prepare written reports of findings, provide on‑call and emergency response for abuse and neglect reports, attend and coordinate related meetings, and resolve crisis situations for families and individuals regarding personal safety, shelter, food, and clothing.
• Make referrals for services by being knowledgeable of local services and resources, working with service providers, serving on interagency service assessment teams, and acting as a client advocate in accessing services with other agencies such as schools, courts, and mental health providers.
• Collaborate with other staff to locate foster homes, group homes, and residential treatment facilities based on child’s service needs.
• Provide group counseling by training citizens and professionals on social issues and services.
• Participate in staff and training meetings as assigned.
• Serve in Norfolk’s after‑hours on‑call rotation after six (6) months of employment.
• Participate in shelter duty during emergencies and/or natural disasters.

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or any field with a minimum of two (2) years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area.
• Desirable:
  Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Departmental Hiring Salary Range: $56,900–$65,294

Signing Bonus: Eligible for a one‑time $5,000 signing bonus for new hires.

Monday–Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, with some weekend work.