Family Services Specialist I

  

While Pulaski County is an active and taxing agency, agency leadership provides support and guidance to staff while understanding the importance of self-care.  Weekly, biweekly or monthly case staffings with monthly supervision to provide guidance and support. Onsite monthly counseling availability. For assistance in case management duties, Escribe dictation is provided to staff and utilization is encouraged and supported including monthly competitions with prizes to top contributors.  Various staff enrichment activities provided monthly with additional events throughout the year - birthdays/anniversaries/Elf on the Shelf. Onsite Gym including treadmills, steppers, exercise bikes, weights and other gym equipment.  Employee Fitness Program offering staff 30 minutes up to three times per week in a group activity to increase cardiovascular health. Staff receive free annual membership to Pulaski YMCA.

 

 

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. 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. 

 

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.