Family Services Specialist I/II - Kinship Navigator Unit

Hiring Range: $36,993 to $79,088

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) –

• 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 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 in area of expertise; and
• Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge- Working knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; and social, economic, and health problems.

Skills- Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software, such as Word and Excel and other required programs.

Abilities- 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; 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 with minimal supervision, including service delivery 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.

Education and Experience- 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). 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. Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable and preferred.

Minimum Qualifications (in addition to the Education and Experience listed above)- Work experience in providing supportive counseling in areas such as parenting, as well as finding and accessing resources in these areas. Experience working with extended families of parents with substance use issues, as well as knowledge of other related community resources. Experience working with other agencies is a plus also. Other abilities include, but are not limited to: forming a supportive relationship while maintaining appropriate boundaries; speaking effectively in a group setting; possessing experience working with families that have children with trauma; having case and time management skills; working independently and as part of a team; willing to travel as necessary; being non-judgmental; following directions and accepting supervision; promoting and advertising our program and working closely with a variety of Staff, Families and the Program Supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications- As mentioned above.

Special Requirements- Applicant may be subject to a Criminal History search, Central Registry search, DMV driving record check and pre-employment drug screen. This position is covered under Code of Virginia 63.2 - 1601.1 or 63.2 - 1720 requiring the finalist to submit to fingerprinting (State Police, FBI) and to provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry. The investigation may include: local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.

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

Dickenson County Department of Social Services is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, non-discriminating employer and a drug-free and smoke-free workplace.