Family Services Specialist I/II - Adult Protective Services / Adult Services (Gloucester)

Job Description

Gloucester Department of Social Services is seeking to fill a position within the Family Services Unit as a Family Services Specialist I/II working with disabled and older adults in the community. Though this position will primarily work within the Adult Services and Adult Protective Services Unit, the selected candidate will be crossed trained to also engage with families and children to perform on-call duties.

Family Services Specialist I represents an entry-level employee receiving training in the area of Adult Services and Adult Protective Services. The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Family Services Supervisor. The position involves extensive training both virtually and in-person prior to caseload assignments.

Family Services Specialist II represents the full performance level in the occupational group for Family Services. Employees are responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods in Employment Services, and Child Care and basic service level caseloads of Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adoptions. Employees may provide services in all program areas or specialize in one or several program areas. Typically, a Family Services Specialist II performs all tasks independently and only seeks supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory review or involvement.

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 plans.
• Provides case management services to monitor compliance.
• Manages program waiting lists.
• Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services.
• 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.
• Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.
• Performs services intake by receiving phone calls and office visits from customers requesting services or information as assigned.
• Shelter duty - When activated by the County Administrator, must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter.

Hiring Range: $55,000 (May be higher depending on qualifications and budgetary considerations)

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 by Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services.
• Skilled in operating a motor vehicle and holding a valid Virginia Driver’s License
• Skilled in operating a personal computer with associated software, preferably Microsoft Office.

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, preferable 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, policies, and developments in the social work field.

• 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 judgements 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.

• 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.

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.