Family Services Specialist II - Foster Care and Adoption Unit

Hiring Range: $37,000 to Commensurate with Experience

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Job Description: This position is classified as sensitive and is an essential position. Employees are responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods in the Foster Care and Adoption Unit. Employees may provide services in all program areas or specialize in one of several program areas. Employees perform tasks independently and seek supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory review or involvement. The Employee will interpret laws, policies, and regulations as applied to specific areas of responsibility; monitors, coordinates, and administers specific programs as assigned; coordinates services within the Foster Care and Adoption Unit; 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 to include home and field visits; 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; serves as a resource to clients and the community in areas of expertise; provides on-call services on a rotating basis, providing after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care; provides emergency shelter duty in times of emergencies and natural disasters. The position requires being a professional with a positive attitude and a team player with an ongoing working relationship within the agency and community.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s): Working knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health problems. Skill in: operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software. 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 or to ensure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; make sound judgements 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 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. A valid Virginia driver’s license is required.

Education, Experience, Licensure, and Certification: 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. Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.