FAMILY SERVICES SPECIALIST (CHINS)

JOB DESCRIPTION

FAMILY SERVICES SPECIALIST
HUMAN SERVICES

Human Resources Department
700 Town Center Drive, Suite 200

Newport News, VA 23606
NEWPORT NEWS, VA Phone: (757) 926-1800

CITY OF OPPORTUNITY Fax: (757) 926-1825

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for performing technical duties in providing
on-going social work services to families of the Department of Human Services. Reports to the
Family Services Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provides assessment of family needs by developing and implementing service plans to address the
needs of adults, children and families, the elderly and the disabled; counsels and provides services to
individuals and families by focusing on family preservation and family reunification, monitoring
progress of clients, planning for adoption and emancipation and implementing court ordered
services.

Coordinates the removal of children from endangering situations with the assistance of local police
and arranging for alternative living arrangements; assures ongoing safety through contact with their
caregivers in accordance with department policy.

Performs a wide array of related services; attends and coordinates related meetings and seeks to
resolve crisis situations for families and individuals regarding personal safety, shelter, food and
clothing.

Makes referrals for services by being knowledgeable of local services and resources, working with
service providers in the community, serving on interagency service assessment teams, serving as a
client advocate in accessing services and working with other agencies such as schools, courts and
mental health providers.

Acts as an advocate for clients’ rights; assists clients with petitions for custody; initiates court
petitions; attends court hearings and testifies as necessary; arranges for withdrawal from and
placement in schools, as necessary.

Serves as a liaison to federal, state and local agencies, state communities, professional boards and task
force groups; and collaborates with other agencies to develop and coordinate resources in order to
establish effective working relationships. Remains abreast of current statewide policy initiatives and
best practices related to the Human Services field.

Performs other duties as assigned.

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PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE


Human Services - Knowledge of social work principles and practices including federal, state, and
local regulations affecting human service programs. Knowledge of programs, social economic
trends and behaviors that impact the delivery of human services. 

Case Management - Knowledge of case management techniques, principles and practices to
evaluate and coordinate the delivery of public assistance to customers and their families. 

Customer Service — Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer
service. This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of
customer satisfaction.

REQUIRED SKILLS


Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate complex
situation and research information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative
solutions, conclusions or approaches to the situation. 

Judgment/Decision Making — Evaluating the best method of research and then exercising
appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters. Considering the
relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. 

Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships
with customers, employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and
organizations. 

Computer Skills – Utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet and related
software with reasonable speed and accuracy.

REQUIRED ABILITIES


Time Management – Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the
completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology to meet strict
deadlines. 

Communication – Excellent ability to communicate complex ideas and proposals effectively so
others will understand to include preparation of reports, agendas, and policies. Excellent ability
to listen and understand information and ideas presented verbally and in writing.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in a human services field (Social Work, Human Services, Sociology,
Psychology, Family & Child Development, Counseling, Gerontology, or Guidance & Counseling); or
a Bachelor’s Degree in any field and 2-4 years of related human services experience.

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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and sex
offender registry check.

A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Individuals in this position cannot be listed as having a founded child abuse or neglect complaint.

In the event of a declared emergency in the City of Newport News, individuals in this position are
required to work shelter duty and may be called on to perform duties as required to provide for the
safety and care of the citizens of the community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work. 

Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10
pounds). 

Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS 

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. 

Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such
as traffic hazards, violent individuals, communicable diseases, or rude/irate customers

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