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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
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, 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.
- 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.
- 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 (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia). Preferred Qualifications
- Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable. Prefer Bi-lingual (English/Spanish). Special Requirements
- Applicants will be subjected to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen. Employee will be required to participate in afterhours on-call schedule on a rotating basis. Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. Special Instructions to Applicants
- Applicants are encouraged to provide a complete listing of work experience, either paid or unpaid, and qualifications on the application.