Family Services Specialist I/II (Northampton Eastern Shore) Re-advertisement

Job Description
This recruitment may be filled as a level I or II. A Family Services Specialist I represents the entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Prevention, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care and Employment Services. Employees perform routine entry level casework activities and the casework is usually reviewed by the supervisor prior to implementing case action. A Family Services Specialist II represents the full performance level. Employees are responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods and basic service level caseloads of Child Protective Services, in- Home and Prevention, Foster Care and Adoptions. Employees perform all tasks independently and seek supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory review or involvement. 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. 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. Manages program waiting list. 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.

Minimum Qualifications
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. Some knowledge of social work principles and practices, human behavior and motivational theory, and social, economic, and health problems. Knowledge of laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas and legal procedures as related to program area. Skill in operating a motor vehicle. Skill in operating a personal computer with associated software, preferably Microsoft Office. 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; analyze case information and 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; work successfully independently and as a team member; manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload; 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. Knowledge of and/or working experience in legal processes, to include preparing legal documents and providing court testimony. Experience interpreting and applying laws, regulations and guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications
Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and/or a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license or licensed LPC . Prefer previous experience working with social work principles and practices. Prefer experience with agency associated database programs and software. Prefer experience in Foster Care, Child Protective Services or Prevention Services and completion of required state training programs.