Family Services Specialist I/II – Foster Care/Adoption Services Unit (Gloucester)

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Employer Description

VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizen have access to best services and benefits available to them.

Job Description

Gloucester Department of Social Services is seeking to fill a position within the Foster Care/Adoption Services Unit. The Family Services Specialist I represents an entry-level employee receiving training in the areas of child welfare as well as adult protective/adult services. The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Family Services Supervisor and be mentored by senior level staff. The position involves extensive training both virtually and in-person prior to caseload assignments. The Family Services Specialist I is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist II by the latter’s functioning more independently as a full performance Family Services Specialist. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• 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 plan.
• Represents the agency in court matters such as Court Hearing and Court Reviews.
• Provides case management services to monitor compliance.
• Manages program waiting lists.
• Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services.
• Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements.
• Coordinates with other agencies and participates in multi-disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers.
• Conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility.
• Serves as resource to clients and the community.
• Provides intake duties to include information regarding community services and entering APS/CPS referrals.
• Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.
• Shelter duty – When activated by the County Administrator, must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter.

Hiring Range: $51,210 (May be higher depending on qualifications and years of experience)

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of social work principles and practices, human behavior and motivational theory, and social, economic, and health problems.
• Provides case management services to monitor compliance.
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle and holding a valid Virginia Driver’s License.
• Skill in operating a personal computer with associated software, preferably Microsoft Office.
• Previous experience working with social work principles and practices.
• Experience with state associated database programs and software.
• Knowledge of laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas and legal procedures as related to program area.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
• Ability to plan and manage own work activities including service delivery, preparing reports and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities.
• Demonstrated ability to interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement service plans in order to ensure the delivery of appropriate services to the client.
• Ability to analyze case information to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations.

Special Requirements

• Applicants are subject to a Criminal History Background search, including an FBI Fingerprint Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check
• All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screening.

Special Instructions -

Applications for this position must be submitted through this website.

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

Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application/resume.

• APPLICANT MUST INCLUDE COMPLETE WORK HISTORY WITH DETAILED JOB DUTIES OR TASKS.
• If applicable, include periods of unemployment.

This website will provide a confirmation receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.