Family Services Specialist - Child Protective Services (CPS)

Hiring Range: $46,178 to $72,637

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

SALARY RANGE: $46,178 - $72,637 Annually

JOB OPEN DATE: 5-3-2024

JOB CLOSE DATE: 5-19-2024

JOB DESCRIPTION: 

Under general supervision, facilitates, coordinates, and provides leadership in the counseling and case management aspect in multiple social work service programs administered by the City Social Services Department, including protective services for adults and children with primary designation in the Ongoing Child Protective Services and Foster Care Prevention Unit. Responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods and basic service level caseloads of Ongoing Child Protective Services and Foster Care Prevention Services. Employees perform all tasks independently and seek supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory reviewer involvement. General work tasks include, but not limited to: Interprets laws, policies and regulations; 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; Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services; Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements; Conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility; Serves as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise; Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care; testify in court settings, and file court reports and protective orders. Additional responsibilities include ICPC approval and monitoring, court liaison, completing court ordered home studies, family assessments, and post-adoption services. May coordinate specific services provided by the department with overall responsibility for the daily activities and outcomes. Tasks include screening clients and explaining multiple social work service programs, determining and pursuing necessary action to meet client needs, counseling clients, and providing or assisting in obtaining access to necessary human services assistance. Provides linkage to community resources and collaborates with community partners to meet customer needs in addition to other community outreach assignments. Investigates allegations of abuse and neglect. Maintains various records and case files. Prepares required reports.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

-Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or minimum of 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.

-Requires a valid driver’s license

-Ability to screen clients, explain multiple social work service programs, determine and pursue necessary action to meet client needs, counsel clients, and provide or assist in obtaining access to necessary human services assistance, assess and make recommendations for improved work quality.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

-Prefer working knowledge of case management and crisis intervention practices and experience managing caseloads involving vulnerable populations

-Prefer working knowledge of Social Services Child Protective Services, Ongoing Child Protective Services, Foster Care Prevention, and Family Stabilization policies and procedures

-Prefer experience with presenting cases to the court or multidisciplinary teams

-Prefer ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with the ability to complete home studies

-Prefer candidates with experience performing on-call duties

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

-Applicants may be subject to a 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, credit checks relevant to employment and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

-Employee must be willing to work disaster related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

Applications are accepted online only through this posting. Only completed employment applications (complete with all periods of employment and unemployment, job duties, dates of employment, and job contact information) will be considered. This website will provide a confirmation receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application. Please refer to your LHRC account for the status of your application and this position.

CONTACT INFORMATION:  vdssjobs@suffolkva.us 

Suffolk Department of Social Services - 135 Hall Avenue, Suite B Suffolk, VA 23434