Family Services Specialist I/II

Amherst County Department of Social Services is accepting applications for the Family Services Specialist position. Family Services Specialist positions are not exclusive to one program area. Employees with this job title may serve in any of the following program areas: Child Protective Services, Adult Services/Adult Protective Services, Foster Care and Adoption. The starting salary for this position is $55,000 (Commensurate with Experience). Amherst County offers a generous benefit package which includes participation in the Virginia Retirement System, employer paid life and disability insurance, paid holidays, annual leave and sick leave, affordable medical, dental and vision insurance, etc. 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). Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume. Applicants are encouraged to provide a complete listing of relevant work experience and qualifications. Employees may be eligible for telework after satisfactory meeting probationary requirements and at the discretion of the department. Telework schedules vary based on the needs of the agency. Positions may be filled as a Family Services Specialist I or Family Services Specialist II depending on experience of the successful candidate. Family Services Specialist I represents the entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as, Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, and Foster Care/Adoption. Employees perform routine to journey-level casework activities and the casework usually is reviewed by the supervisor prior to implementing a case action. Family Services Specialist II represents the full-performance level employees in the occupational group for Family Services. Employees are responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods and basic service level caseloads of Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, Adoptions. Employees may provide services in all program areas or specialize in one or several program areas. Typical employees perform all tasks independently and only seek supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory review or involvement. Responsibilities Include but 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; Provides case management services to monitor compliance; Manages program waiting lists; Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services; Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements; 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… Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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. Skill in operating a personal computer 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; develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client’s emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field. Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/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 be required to report for shelter duty during community disasters and/or emergencies. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Virginia Department of Social Services