Family Services Supervisor

Job Description

Title Description- This title represents the supervisory level in the occupational group for Family Services. Employees supervise staff that provide direct services for fostering and sustaining the social, health, economic, behavioral, and emotional functioning of individuals and families serviced by the Local Departments of Social Services. Employees supervise, train, lead, and develop staff and monitor case management services. The Family Services Manager is distinguished from the by the latter's responsibilities for supervising Family Services Supervisors and managing the direct services program performance.

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) -

• Supervises social workers, assistants and others;
• Sets and enforces objectives for quality and quantity of work performed by unit;
• Evaluates social service programs and program budgets;
• Applies appropriate human resource practices in the supervision of staff;
• Establishes and maintains good working relationships with others;
• Recommends policy changes based on evaluation of program effectiveness;
• Deals with difficult or dangerous cases;
• Interprets the program to other agencies and to the public; and
• Participates in community planning and development of new resources, jobs and community work sites.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge- Considerable knowledge of: principles and practices of effective supervision; of policies, procedures and regulations relating to the various direct service programs; the literature in the field of human services programs; casework supervision principles and practices; principles and processes for providing customer and personal services to include needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of satisfaction; employment and/or social work principles, practices and treatment modalities; and social, economic, health and employment problems that face individuals, groups and communities.

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

Abilities- Demonstrated ability to: plan and manage work activities and assist others in their planning and management; develop programs and procedures; make decisions in difficult situations; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; apply treatment and intervention approaches; interpret laws, policies and regulations regarding human services, ensure compliance and recommend needed changes; supervise others working with clients; analyze situations to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; and train, evaluate, lead, and develop subordinate staff.

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). Considerable experience in assigned program area/human services programs and completion of required training programs. Supervisory experience or work experience in a leadership role. 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.

Special Requirements: Applicants will 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.
Driving record and valid license must be submitted before actual start date if being considered for employment.


Must be available to work beyond normal work schedules - including on-call rotations, weekends, holidays and nights.


All Orange County Department of Social Services employees are required to work in a community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.


Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, e-mailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. This website will provide confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.


Applications/Resumes must include complete work history, including periods of unemployment if applicable.

About Us

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.