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VD
Virginia Department of Social Services
Family Services Specialist I
Career Insights for Social / Human Services Specialist
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What they do
A Social or Human Services Specialist identifies and arranges community services for clients. Can involve coordination of services for people with disabilities or those in recovery. They may also coordinate housing or job training assistance for immigrants, veterans, former inmates or families in crisis and can be involved in advocating for client needs.
$53,606 / year median in Virginia
+11% projected growth
Job Description
Harrisonburg City and County of Rockingham are some of the best places to live in Virginia. Living in the Harrisonburg/Rockingham area offers residents both a rural and suburban feel. The area has lots of restaurants, parks, entertainment and access to James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite Universities, Bridgewater College, Blue Ridge Community College for entertainment activities and continuous learning. Harrisonburg/Rockingham has the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking and the Shenandoah River for water adventures. The Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District administers a wide variety of programs and services that assist children, youth, adults, and families, individuals with disabilities, and older adults with basic supports and medical needs as well as services to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. All services are delivered under state and federal mandates or under local initiatives that seek to improve family stability, help families achieve safe and affordable housing, and increase self-sufficiency. Our Vison is better health, safety, and well-being for all. Our mission is people helping people triumph over poverty, abuse, and neglect to shape futures for themselves, their families and communities. Post Conditional Offer Contingencies Successful candidate will undergo a criminal history, CPS, and DMV check and possess a valid driver's license. Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District full time employees are eligible for full benefits through Rockingham County, including but not limited to the following as a part of total rewards package! Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Paid Time Off (accumulate 12 hours per month) Annual Paid Holidays (observe 12 per year) Group Health Plan Group Life Insurance Group Dental Insurance Group Vision Insurance Wellness Memberships Direct Deposit AFLAC Exceptional Performance Recognition Virginia Credit Union Membership Salary Range $55,000
- 79,088 Family Services Specialist I-Adult Services/ Adult Protective Services Title Description
- This is a professional position.
Duties include:
interviewing individuals and investigating allegations of suspected adult abuse, neglect and /or exploitation, reviewing annual guardianship reports, initiating emergency protective order, testifying in legal proceedings, evaluating individuals for waived services, and assisting adults with placement in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Employees have contact with others and influence outcomes by participating on task forces, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching and conduct outreach. This position requires employee to be on-call for evening and weekend emergencies. 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. 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.
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.
- 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.