Family Services Specialist III - CPS Frontline, Frederick County, VA

Hiring Range: $62,213.00 to Commensurate with experience

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Job Description

Frederick County Department of Social Services is one of the 120 locally administered, state-supervised agencies who work in partnership with the Virginia Department of Social Services to help those in our community most in need. Our mission is to deliver client centered, quality human services that help the citizens of Frederick County achieve safety, independence, and overall well-being. Frederick County is located at the tip of the Northern Shenandoah Valley and is in the northernmost corner of the state of Virginia. The county sits at the mouth of the Shenandoah Valley with the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west. Frederick County staff are guided by its values which are to be people focused, committed to excellence and to respect differences so that the agency can continue to provide exceptional and innovative social services to its citizens. Minimum Salary $62,213.00 - commensurate with experience

This position specializes in program areas and assumes more complex duties such as: interviewing/investigating in cases involving suspected child abuse/neglect, may be jointly with law enforcement or other designated agency; out of home placements; emergency protective orders; testifying in legal proceedings; and placing children in foster/adoptive homes. Participates in Family Team Meetings, identifying safety concerns, developing goals and activities that meet those goals. Prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services; interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility; completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements; provides case management services to monitor compliance; submits progress reports to the court; refers families to treatment resources within the community; transports children to placements, meetings, therapy sessions, doctor and dental appointments, and for visitation with families; attends court, testifies in court and coordinates cases with attorneys; provides parent education and support for families in target population; prepares reports to referral sources regarding status of various interventions; serves as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise; provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child protective services, adult protective services and/or foster care; performs investigative duties to include screens referrals for validity and complaints of child abuse and neglect; interviews all parties involved; assesses immediate and long-term dangers/risks to children/adults; provides program administration and caseload management services; conducts visits and maintains contact with other professionals; accompanies victims and their families to court appearances; serves as support for the family; files petitions; testifies in criminal and civil cases; establishes and maintains case records; codes, enters and updates new and on-going cases in the state computer information system; Employees have contacts with others and influence outcomes by participating on task forces, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching, and conducting outreach. Monitors, coordinates and administers specific assigned programs; coordinates services within specific area of responsibility; informs clients of service programs and the rules and regulations, and right to participate; conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility.
Must be willing to work outside normal working hours, including being on-call for emergencies, which includes holidays and weekends. Must have a valid driver’s license with good driving record.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in any field and 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).

Considerable knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; investigating and interviewing techniques; legal procedures as related to program area; and social, economic, and health problems.

Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated software and the operation of a motor vehicle.

Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed; investigate high risk cases; testify in court proceedings; develop and present training programs and other presentations; interpret program laws, policies and regulations; develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; analyze case information to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client’s emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; develop speeches and represent the agency on program training and workshops; work in stressful situations and maintain diplomacy; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; establish and maintain effective relationships with others; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.

Preferred Qualifications

Considerable experience in Child Protective Services 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.
A Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.

Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Considerable experience in the Family Team Meeting process. Special Requirements Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, and DMV/driving record check.

The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), 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.

May be required to report for shelter duty during community disasters and/or emergencies.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications/resumes for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered applications will not be accepted. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application/resume. This website will provide a confirmation receipt when the application/resume is submitted for consideration. Please refer to your RMS account for the status of your application and this position. The position will be open until filled.