Family Services Specialist I

Family Services Specialist I represents the entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as, Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/’Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. Employees perform routine- to journey-level casework activities and the casework usually is reviewed by the supervisor prior to implementing a case action. Upon completion of the training program and attainment of necessary approvals, the employee shall be redefined to a full-performance Family Services Specialist II and becomes eligible for a pay increase as defined by the local agency compensation plan. The Family Services Specialist I is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist II by the latter’s functioning more independently as a full performance Family Services Specialist.

Child Protective Services - Investigation (Work tasks specific to role)
This Family Services Specialist will assess and investigate allegations of child abuse and/or neglect while providing needed services to at risk families and children. Works closely with various ancillary agencies to enforce child protective services laws and provide required/requested services to families in need. Plans and coordinates needed services for individuals and families while making appropriate referrals to other agencies as necessary. Prepares court affidavits/reports and testify as needed. Maintains CPS caseload while completing routine paperwork in time frames required by Virginia State Code. The FSS will need the ability to multi-task and respond to crisis situations in a timely and professional manner. They must act as a team player willing to assist co-workers and be able to work outside the normal range of hours when necessary. They participate in a rotating after hours beeper team that responds to emergency CPS/APS/Foster Care situations.

General Work Tasks-Interviews clients to assess the nature and extent of needs; maintains records through the course of client's service relationships with agency; makes referrals for service to agencies, such as clinics, employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, etc.; performs work with agencies such as juvenile and domestic relations courts, circuit courts, etc.; provides protection and care to abandoned, abused, and/or neglected children and adults on a regular and emergency basis in potentially dangerous situations; works with abusive or neglecting parents and families to help effect changes in family situation, usually in a family home setting; makes decisions to remove children from dangerous situations and recommendations regarding institutionalization of adults and children; maintains case records, prepares written reports of services, findings and actions; serves as agency representative on a variety of multi-disciplinary teams; and shares a 24-hour on-call rotation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge- Some knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; 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 in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and 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.

Education and Experience- 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 as mandated in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services. Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.