Family Services Specialist I at Virginia Department of Social Services

Chatham, Virginia, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

25 Apr, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

25 Jan, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Social Work Principles, Human Behavior, Motivational Theory, Case Management, Interviewing, Assessment, Counseling, Service Planning, Compliance Monitoring, Program Coordination, Effective Communication, Judgment Making, Relationship Building, Report Preparation, Record Keeping, Emergency Response

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Title Description- 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, or Foster Care/Adoption. 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. General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) – Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility; Monitors, coordinates and administers specific programs as assigned; Coordinates services within specific area of responsibility; Interviews and assesses customer needs and other relevant factors – such as education/skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems. Informs clients of related service programs rules/regulations, and right to participate; Presents cases to determine appropriate services and writes/implements service plans; Provides case management services to monitor compliance; Manages program waiting lists; Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services; Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements; Coordinates with other agencies and participates in multi-disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers; Conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility; Serves as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise; and Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care. 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. Preferred Qualifications: Current or prior experience as a Family Services Specialist. Special Requirements: Applicants may be subject to Criminal History Background search; Central Registry search, DMV driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen. The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings. Employee must be willing to work in community emergency shelter in the event of a disaster or emergency. Special Instructions to Applicants: Application must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, e-mailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application. Applications must include complete work history, including period(s) of unemployment if applicable. VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizen have access to best services and benefits available to them.

Responsibilities

The Family Services Specialist I performs routine casework activities under supervision, including interpreting laws and policies, assessing client needs, and developing service plans. They also provide case management services and coordinate with other agencies to ensure effective service delivery.