Family Services Worker I - CPS

Social Services Case Manager

Under direct supervision, performs social work and case management in the provision of social services for individuals in need of assistance. Employee is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse or exploitation of elderly/disabled adults, adult abuse/neglect with lead role responsibilities in cases involving criminal abuse/neglect or sexual abuse, investigating cases of suspected child abuse/neglect, assisting clients in achieving self-sufficiency, or implementing activities associated with other social services.

Work involves performing case management, providing crisis intervention and/or counseling, assessing client needs, coordinating provision of needed services, and maintaining case records. Work may regularly involve two or more program areas.

This position is essential. Personnel occupying this position may be scheduled to work regardless of weather conditions and/or when general County offices are closed. Applicants must be available to work Sunday through Saturday as needed. Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. If chosen for this position, the employee will be required to be part of an on-call rotation that includes evenings, weekends, overnight visits, and holiday hours that may require immediate response into the field.

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES (INTAKE):

• Conducts initial assessment of child abuse and neglect reports and provides crisis counseling for reporters.
• Provides information and referral resources and brief immediate crisis intervention to callers for referrals that do not warrant a Child Protective Services intervention.
• Applies child welfare knowledge and critical thinking skills to interpret state and local policies to determine validity of child abuse and neglect reports.
• Coordinates with the team to determine the validity, response time, and track assignment for reports of child abuse and neglect.
• Uses automated technology in multiple systems to support the decision-making process.
• Assigns the referral to CPS After Hours family services workers for investigation or family assessment and records the assignment on the Electronic Whiteboard.
• Provides CPS screening policy consultation to program staff and supervisors.
• Assists the unit supervisor with providing technical guidance and training to fellow team members.
• Provides support to the team. Duties include staffing cases and guiding specialists in responding to child abuse and neglect referrals, developing response plans, drafting court paperwork, communicating with managers/directors and community stakeholders about cases, and serving as a policy expert within the team. Perform on-call duties in rotation with the team to provide coverage and support during evenings, weekends, and holiday hours that may require immediate response into the field.
• Performs other duties as required to ensure child safety and improve outcomes within families.

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES (INVESTIGATOR):

• Investigates allegations of child abuse and neglect, which includes interviewing children, parents, and other involved parties.
• Uses child welfare framework to perform comprehensive assessments of children and their families, including home visits to determine risk and safety.
• Responds to and provides emergency crisis intervention to maintain child safety and well-being.
• Designs and implements safety plans with children and families to enhance safety and reduce risk and further maltreatment.
• Documents assessments, investigations, safety plans, critical incident reports, detailed case contacts, progress notes, and service plans in a case management system.
• Prepares court petitions and provides testimony in court cases.
• Collaborates with various multi-disciplinary professionals and facilitates family engagement activities.
• Provides support to the team which may include, but not limited to, staffing case guiding specialists in responding to child abuse and neglect referrals, developing work plans, drafting court paperwork, and communicating with managers/directors and community stakeholders about cases.
• Perform on-call duties in rotation with the team to provide coverage and support during evenings, weekends, and holiday hours that may require immediate response into the field.
• Performs other duties as assigned to ensure child safety and improve outcomes in families.

Bachelor's Degree Social Services, Sociology, Human Services, Psychology or closely related field accompanied by a minimum of one (1) to two (2) years' experience in a human services related area or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position. Must possess and maintain a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license.

• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the County and of departmental practices as they…