Family Services Specialist I (APS)

Hiring Range: $41,432.00 to Commensurate With Experience

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

In Warren County, everything we do is designed to inspire positive change and empower our residents to thrive, build resilience and promote wellbeing within the community.  We believe in thinking differently and challenging the notions of traditional Social Services.  We prioritize customer service, family empowerment, personal responsibility and continuous learning.

The Warren County Department of Social Services is looking for an Adult Protective Services Specialist who will be responsible for investigating and addressing cases of suspected abuse and neglect, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. You'll be a key player in a team dedicated to making a positive impact in our community.

 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.  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.  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. 

Core Responsibilities:

•    Investigating Allegations:
      APS investigators are tasked with investigating reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment of vulnerable adults. This includes conducting face-to-face interviews with the alleged victim, alleged perpetrator, and other relevant individuals.
•    Gathering and Evaluating Information:
      Investigators collect and evaluate relevant information, such as medical records, financial records, and other evidence, to determine the validity of the allegations and the level of risk involved.
•    Determining Appropriateness of Services:
      Based on their investigations, APS investigators determine whether services are needed and, if so, what types of services are most appropriate for the vulnerable adult.
•    Case Management:
      APS investigators may also be involved in case management, which includes providing ongoing support and monitoring to vulnerable adults and their families.
•    Coordination and Collaboration:
      Coordination with internal and external partners, including law enforcement, healthcare providers, and other social service agencies, to ensure that vulnerable adults receive the necessary services and protection.
•    Documentation and Reporting:
      Investigators are responsible for documenting their findings and preparing reports for case files.
•    Strong Investigative Skills:
     APS investigators need to be able to conduct thorough and objective investigations, gather evidence, and assess risks.
•    Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
      The ability to communicate effectively with vulnerable adults, their families, and other professionals.
•    Empathy and Compassion:
      APS investigators work with vulnerable adults who may have experienced trauma, so they need to be able to approach their work with empathy and compassion.
•    Knowledge of APS Laws and Regulations:
      APS investigators need to be familiar with the laws and regulations that govern the protection of vulnerable a adults.
•    Documentation and Reporting Skills:
      The ability to accurately and thoroughly document findings and prepare reports for case files.
•    Ability to Work Independently:
      APS investigators often work independently, so they need to be able to manage their time effectively and work without direct supervision.

Minimum Qualifications:

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.