Family Services Specialist I

  

Title Description- The Family Services Specialist I position is an essential position. This is an entry-level position, working under close supervision while being trained in various program areas including Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. Employees in this role perform routine casework activities typically reviewed by a supervisor before implementing case actions. This position requires travel to client homes, court appearances, and other off-site locations, both during and after regular work hours. Interpret laws, policies, and regulations as they apply to specific areas of responsibility. Employees may provide services in all programs areas or specialize in one or several program areas. Coordinate services within specific areas of responsibility; interview and assess customer needs, including education/skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems; inform clients of related service programs, rules/regulations, and their right to participate; Present cases to determine appropriate services and develop/implement service plans; Provide case management services to monitor compliance; manage program waiting lists; track expenditures, prepare and submit budget estimates, and ensure payment for services; complete necessary federal, state, and local planning and reporting requirements; coordinate with other agencies and participate in multi-disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers; conduct overall monitoring of programs in specific areas of responsibility; Serve as a resource to clients and the community in area of expertise;  provides emergency shelter duty in times of emergencies and natural disasters. The position requires being a professional with a positive attitude and a team player with an ongoing working relationship within the agency and community. 

 

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) – 

 

Provides case management services including home visits, field visits, court appearances. Presents cases to various teams for services.

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.