Family Services Specialist I

Job Description

Salary Range $55,000-$79,088

Position is for a Family Services Specialist I for CPS

Title Description- This is a professional position. This recruitment is for positions in Child Protective Services.

The Family Services Specialist I represents entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in Child Protective Services; Family Assessment and Investigation cases, on-going cases ,and Truancy Cases.

This position specializes in program areas such as interviewing/assessing of child abuse/neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianship, emergency protective orders, testifying in legal proceedings and placing children in foster/adoptive homes.

Employees have contacts with others and influence outcome by participating on task forces, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching, and conducting outreach.

This position may report to the Assistant Director, Child Protective Services Supervisor or a Senior Worker.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a human service field or a Bachelor's Degree in any field accompanied by a minimum of two years related experience (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).

Some knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health problems.

Knowledge of relevant community and public resources that might be needed for foster children.

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

Demonstrates 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 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; work in stressful situations and maintain diplomacy; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports and relationships with others; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.

Demonstrated ability to interview, collect data, gather information and investigate related to Social Service programs.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior work experience in a human services field or an internship in a human services field.

Current or prior work experience in a local department of social services office. Proficiency in Microsoft Word.

Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker License

BSW/MSW

Bilingual English/Spanish.

Experience in assigned program area and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Experience with a local Department of Social Services, Community Service Board or other agency that provides direct services to children, adults and/or families.

Experience working with community partners such as: Police Department, School System, County Administrator, Community Service Board, Community Policy Management Team, Family Assessment Planning Team and Faith Based agencies.

Experience working with families, conducting meetings and assessing the strengths and needs of children and families.

Working knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; and social, economic, and health problems.

Special Requirements

Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, OMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.

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 require after-hours on-call.

May require reporting for shelter duty during emergencies and/or disasters.


A sealed copy of college transcript must be provided prior to employment.

Requires valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license to include driving record that meets agency standard.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications/resumes for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information provided on the application and resume. Selected applicants will be contacted by the phone number/email address listed on the application or resume. Please refer to your LHRC account for the status of your application and this position.

Contact Information

Name Marie Hopkins

Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io

Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


Address: Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District 110 North Mason Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802

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.