Salary : $51,001.60 Annually
Location : Lynchburg, VA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 03232
Department: Human Services
Opening Date: 06/20/2024
Closing Date: 6/30/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer
At the completion of a family assessment or founded Child Protective Services investigation in which high or very high risk to a child is established, the Family Services Specialist (FSS) will consult with the family to provide or arrange for ongoing, necessary protective and rehabilitative services for the child and family. The FSS and family will work together to identify strengths and needs and develop a service plan to guide the family in making the needed changes to keep the child(ren) safe. The FSS provides direct family services and case management to ensure the best outcomes for the child(ren) involved. The FSS will participate in Family Partnerships meetings, school meetings, attend and testify in court, work with kinship providers, complete home and community visits, complete service plans with the family, and assess for safety of the child and protective capacity of the caregivers.
Opportunities for advancement are available through a pay progression plan.
Successful candidate must possess a valid driver's license and a driving record acceptable according to City criteria that includes

• -4 or fewer DMV demerit points
• No DWI/DUI convictions within the last three (3) years
• At least three (3) years of continuously valid licensing
• An overall pattern of safe motor vehicle operation and driving habits

Successful candidate m ust satisfactorily complete criminal background check, drug and alcohol screen (including marijuana), and Child Protective Services Registry check.
Check out our competitive benefits
Essential Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.

• Makes comprehensive assessment of families/clients in crisis
  
• Analyzes needs and coordinates resources, which will support the family/client
  
• Develops and implements a plan of action for the family/client which directly involves family/client input
  
• Engages family/client and community in problem solving, conflict resolution and achieving goals in order to resolve the crisis
  
• Stabilizes and improves family/client living and interpersonal skills through counseling and referrals to collateral resources
  
• Executes complex and critical decisions involving families/clients in crisis, under possible adverse conditions
  
• Performs scheduled and unscheduled field visits in frequently highly volatile and dangerous environments
  
• Participates in extensive networking and collaboration with community and professional agencies, both public and private
  
• Provides analysis, recommendations and testimony in complex court proceedings, which requires thorough assessment and documentation of the family/client's situations; assists in formulating recommendations on difficult and important technical problems relating to the court action
  
• Interprets, implements and administers complex policies, regulations, and laws, and refines established complex procedures which require frequent independent thinking and resourcefulness in a complex environment

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Assists in the evaluation of programs and services rendered to families/clients
  
• Processes financial documentation related to family/client services
  
• Interprets agency programs to other agencies, community groups, and associations
  
• Identifies homes suitable for placement of children and adults
  
• Researches and develops community resources, gives presentations, and participates in interagency meetings such as FAPT, eligibility, and IEP meetings with schools
  
• Transports clients to medical and mental health appointments
  
• Assists in the operation of emergency shelters
  
• Provides coverage for child protective services intake duties when necessary
  
• Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned
  
• When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities
Minimum Education and Experience Required

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
To be hired a candidate must possess a baccalaureate degree in the human services field; or a baccalaureate degree in any field accompanied by a minimum of two years appropriate and related experience in a human services related area. Individuals who do not meet the degree requirement at the time of application for employment must be in their last semester of a degree program in a human services field.
Additional Requirements

Possession of valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record according to City criteria. View City's Driving Criteria.
Must satisfactorily complete criminal background check, drug and alcohol screen and Child Protective Services Registry check.
Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.
The City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the City's goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services.

• Employees in full-time positions are eligible for the following benefits:
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS); the City pays 20.96% and employees pay 5% of base pay (pre-tax) towards their VRS benefit
  • Life insurance at no cost to the employee
  • Optional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, etc.
  • Eligibility for parental leave and tuition assistance
  • Paid Time Off

Employees in hourly and part-time positions may be eligible for benefits depending on the position

Employees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loans
Additional information about City benefits can be found on our and in the
01

This position requires that you currently possess, or will possess upon hire, a baccalaureate degree in the human services field; or a baccalaureate degree in any field accompanied by a minimum of two years appropriate and related experience in a human services related area. Please certify that you meet these qualifications and also provide the specific concentration of your degree.
02

Describe how your work/education/experience directly relates to working with children and families. Be specific.
03

Transporting agency clients is a requirement of this job that requires that you be at least 21 years of age. Please certify below that you are at least 21 years of age.

• Yes
• No

04

While this job normally follows a Monday-Friday schedule, the employee may be required to work outside normal working hours, including being on-call for emergencies after hours and on weekends. Are you willing to work this type of schedule?

• Yes
• No

05

DMV Release Notice: This position requires a valid driver's license and acceptable driving history. I hereby certify that I have read the DMV Record Release Notice, and give the City permission to obtain my driving record.

• Yes
• No
• I do not currently possess a Virginia Driver's License

06

If you answered "yes" in the above question and you currently possess a Virginia Driver's License, please provide your License Number.
07

(Current Out-of-State applicants and applicants who have had an Out-of-State Drivers License at any time in the last 3 years): I agree to provide, WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF MY APPLICATION, a copy of my driving record from that state where I am currently licensed or have been licensed within the past 3 years. I will contact Human Resources within 2 weeks if I am unable to obtain my out of state driving record in that time. I understand that my application may not be considered for this position until I submit my out of state driving record.You can email this information to human.resources@lynchburgva.gov, or fax to 434-845-4304 or mail this information to Human Resources, 900 Church Street, Lynchburg VA 24504. Include the name of the position for which you are applying. If you have a driving record less than 30 days old you can upload as an attachment to your application.

• Agree to provide record within 2 weeks of application date
• Do not agree (I understand I will no longer be considered for this position if I disagree.)
• Not applicable (I have not had an Out-of-State Driver's License during the past 3 years.

Required Question