Job Description
This is a 1-to-5 year grant-funded position contingent upon the continued availability of funding and compliance with the applicable grant requirements (Collaborative Grant through the Virginia Department of Social Services). This Family Services Specialist performs responsible professional work in the support and assistance of children and families through ongoing case management services, including assessment, service planning, referrals, and monitoring. As part of the grant, this position will collaborate with partner agencies to identify and connect children in foster care with extended family members or other supportive adults, with a goal of building a lifelong support network that promotes permanency, belonging, and improved outcomes. Functioning as an investigator, negotiator, and relationship builder, the work is accomplished through intensive family-finding strategies and by building trust with relatives and other potential supports to establish meaningful relationships or kinship placements. Work is performed under supervision and reports to a Human Services Program Supervisor. To learn more about the City's Department of Human Services and its operations, mission, vision, and values please visit: https://www.charlottesville.gov/224/Human-Services The preferred hiring amount is between $56,326.40 - $59,870 Annually . Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, internal equity and available funding through the collaborative grant. This is a full-time, non-exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities. For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits . The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS, however the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. For questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.
Note:
This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment. This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time. Completes Mutual Family Assessments to determine eligibility to become a foster family. Transporting program participants. May be responsible for support functions such as equipment maintenance, stocking inventory supplies, and/or oversight of vehicle maintenance. May work in a community-based setting primarily with adolescents and their families. May develop and/or facilitate various group meetings and/or recreational or educational activities. Assesses the needs of clients and families to develop a service plan. Investigates referral and interviews clients as needed. Takes applications for services and determines service eligibility. Assesses/monitors situations and progress of clients by conducting field visits. Provides clinical and/or non-clinical services to families by listening to concerns and monitoring progress. Completes associated casework within associated timelines; prepares and submits court-related documentation within established deadlines. May testify in court proceedings and makes recommendations to legal authorities. Develops contacts and collaborates with community partners and service providers to makes referrals for services to appropriate community resources and maintain relationships and continued referrals to programs. Conducts group information/education sessions for clients. Assists in the evaluation of programs and services. Provides trauma-supportive and appropriately responsive service. Conducts monthly home visits and may coordinate progress with the treatment team as necessary. May be responsible as an on-call staff on a rotating basis. Required to respond upon activation from the City Manager of the Continuity of Operations Plan and/or Emergency Operations Plan. Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Department guidelines. Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time. Regular and reliable attendance. Other Duties Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned. Education and Experience :
Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field, such as Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, or similar area. OR Bachelor's degree in any field AND 2 years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services related field; as mandated in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services may be substituted as equivalent. Preferred:
Masters in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field. Directly related experience (case management services) in Virginia within the past 2 years. Ability to communicate in a second language. Certifications/Licenses / Other Requirements:
Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia Driver's license and acceptable driving record according to city criteria. Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics Job Knowledge Thorough knowledge and complete comprehension of eligibility requirements for public assistance, principles and practices of child welfare, substance abuse, employment services, family services and/or protective service work and state and federal procedures and legal terminology to solve common and unusual problems, advise on technical matters, and serve as a resource for others. Knowledge of counseling and social work principles and practices. Knowledge of community services and facilities available for clients served. Knowledge of crisis intervention and behavior changes techniques. Knowledge of human behavior and of current social, economic, and health problems of the community served. Reading Intermediate:
Ability to read and understand complex written materials, such as policies, regulations, and professional articles/journals. Writing Intermediate:
Ability to organize data, maintain case records, and write clear and concise reports and prepare explanations and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech. Math Intermediate:
Ability to work with, understand, and apply simple formulas to process financial documentation related to client services, reimbursements, and prepare statistical reports. Communication Skills Intermediate:
Establish and maintain effectively working relationships with clients, families, co-worker's city staff, other agencies, and the public. Provide and receive standard to more complex information. May include interactions that involve stressful, negative situations requiring significant tact and the ability to diffuse aggressive behavior and reach consensus. Requires recognizing different points of view to ensure understanding and appropriate response. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and understanding. Independence and Decision-Making Requires Limited Direction:
Normally completes work according to their own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance occasionally. Case management is completed with little oversight and may be reviewed periodically. Technical Skills Skilled:
comprehensive knowledge of techniques for interviewing, counseling and investigating problems. Uses analytical judgment to develop comprehensive courses of action for families. Applies understanding of individual and group behavior and social, economic and health problems. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office applications and department software. Fiscal Responsibilities No budgetary or fiscal responsibilities. Supervisory Responsibilities No responsibility for supervision of others. May occasionally assist in the training of other staff, volunteers and student interns and serves as a peer advisor. Other Characteristics Organization and time management skills, sometimes under strict time constraints. Constant interruptions and requests for service. Performs multiple tasks simultaneously. Requires dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals. Works effectively with sensitive and confidential issues and information. May be required to be on-call and respond within certain timeframes. May be required to work additional hours outside of normal schedule, which may include weekends, mornings, afternoons, and/or evenings. Physical Demands:
Sedentary Work:
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects Must be able to frequently remain in a stationary position. Must occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Must constantly position self to maintain files in file cabinet. Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. Ability to observe at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:
Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned. Work Environment:
Work is performed in an office environment where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare and dust. Work may also occur in client homes, facilities of other agencies and/or court buildings. Work may involve threatening and potentially dangerous settings and disturbing circumstances. The noise level is typically moderate and may vary depending on work site.
