Family Services Specialist III

Title Description- The selected candidate will assume complex duties such as coordinating the Foster Care and Adoption Services of the agency based on the guideline of the Virginia Department of Social Services. This position requires the development and implementation of the individualized service plan. In addition, the selected candidate will be responsible for out-of-home placements, emergency protective orders, testifying in legal proceedings. The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Family Services Supervisor. The Family Services Specialist III is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist IV class by the latter’s functioning as a lead worker, or an expert resource specialist.

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) – 

• Monitor, coordinate, and administer specific assigned programs.
• Coordinate services within specific areas of responsibility.
• Write service plans and present cases to determine appropriate services.
• Track expenditures, prepare/submit budget estimates and ensure payment for services.
• Interpret laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific areas of responsibility.
• Manage program waiting lists.
• Provide case management services to monitor compliance.
• Refer families to treatment resources within the community.
• Attend court, testify in court, and coordinate cases with attorneys.
• Provide parental education and support for families in target population.
• Provide after hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.
• Interview all parties involved, assess immediate and long-term dangers/risks to children.
• Develop a written services plan documenting goals, objectives and details of the services provided for each case. 

Knowledge- Considerable knowledge of social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; investigating and interviewing techniques; legal procedures as related to program area; and social, economic, and health problems.

Skills- Skills in operating a personal computer and the associated software and the operation of a motor vehicle.

Abilities- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed; investigate high risk cases; testify in court proceedings; develop and present training programs and other presentations; interpret program laws, policies and regulations; develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; analyze case information to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; develop speeches and represent the agency on program training and workshops; work in stressful situations and maintain diplomacy; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; establish and maintain effective relationships with others; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.

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 (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia). Considerable experience in assigned program area and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.

 Special Requirements:

All applicants are subject to DMV/driving record check, Central Registry (CPS) check and/or criminal history search.

The investigation may include fingerprint checks (state Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. 

Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications will not be accepted.

Contact Information:

Name:     Valerie Pierce

Phone:    757-294-5240

Fax:         FAXED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS          POSITION

Email:      EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION

Address:  MAILED/HAND DELIVERED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION