Family Services Specialist I

Title Description

• Family Services Specialist I represents the entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in either 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. 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 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must possess a 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree.

Special Requirements:

Must be on call 24/7 at lease one week a month to respond to after hours CPS or foster care emergencies. Must be able to work an emergency shelter during natural disasters or weather related events.