Family Services Specialist I - Foster Care

Family Services Specialist I – Foster Care Familiar with Virginia foster care policy, Vemats, Harmony, and foster care case management. The purpose of the position is to provide a pool of foster parents and/or provide support and assistance to agency clients for the area of responsibility. The position is responsible for recruiting, applicant/client assessment, planning, counseling, education/training, monitoring, and reporting. The position works within a general outline of work to be performed; develops work methods and sequences under general supervision. Typical Tasks Conduct interviews or investigations and make client/family assessments; formulate and implement plans; screen interstate referrals; send out and review home study information. Provide individual and group counseling for client and family. Prepare purchase orders for client services, negotiate provider rates; confirm provider availability and service authorization; verify client information; process invoices for payment. Interact/coordinate with other agencies, organizations, or family/community members to provide services for client and family/past custodians; make referrals for other social services. Conduct home visits to supervise, observe, and document family interactions, activities, and environment; establish schedule with parents/past custodians for child visitation. Provide direct services to clients/families including teaching basic living, parenting, budgeting, or employment skills; providing mediation counseling; and accompanying clients to appointments. Collect and compile information/data, and prepare periodic and special reports; maintain files/records for area of responsibility; develop program forms. Provide emergency services/crisis intervention for clients/families; protect clients through court involvement; testify at local, state, and judicial appeals; provide client placement as needed. Conduct pre‑service foster parent orientations and classes to evaluate/screen applicants; recruit and conduct training classes and orientations for volunteers. Provide information to public on eligibility requirements and available services for assigned area. Perform routine office tasks such as dictating case notes, data entry, typing correspondence or forms, filing, faxing, telephoning, or photocopying. Conduct training classes for service providers; certify and recertify approved providers; attend professional workshops and seminars to improve professional skills. Rotate through various service provider roles in such areas as CPS, foster care, and adoption. Perform other related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Vocational / Educational Requirements: Applicants shall possess one of the following: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the human services field, including Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Counseling and Guidance, Counselor Education, Human Services, Sociology, Family and Child Development, Aging Studies, Gerontology, Criminal Justice (with a minor in one of the above studies), or other related degrees determined by the Department of Human Resources. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field accompanied by at least two years of appropriate and related full‑time equivalent experience in a human services related area. For promotion, existing employees must meet specific experience criteria. Special Certifications and Licenses: Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards. Special Requirements: Emergency duty (on‑call) participation is required. Preferred Qualifications Familiar with Foster Care within the State of Virginia. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Provides after‑hours on‑call coverage and responds to emergencies in adoption and/or foster care. Experience writing court documents such as court reports, emergency removal and protective order affidavits. Experience interviewing individuals to obtain detailed information and produce a written document that accurately explains information obtained during the interview. Develop and implement service plans to ensure delivery of appropriate services to the client. Minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a human services area and/or prior VDSS experience in child welfare. Experience or knowledge of OASIS and/or peer place (CANS, FMPT). Strong typing/data entry skills and ability to follow 24‑hour case documentation requirements. Benefits The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure for a full list of benefits and employee perks. Additional Information Job Type: Full Time Posting Type: City Employees Only Pay Grade: GE10 Pay Basis: Semi‑Monthly Advertised Salary: $51,869 annually Job Open Date: 05/01/2026 Job Close Date: 05/10/2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Chesapeake Virginia