Family Services Specialist I/ll - Child Protective Services

Job Title

Gloucester Department of Social Services is seeking to fill a position within the Child Welfare Unit.

Job Description

The selected candidate will be responsible for the initiation of family assessments/investigations of alleged abuse/neglect of child(ren) assessing safety and risk of the child(ren) as well as completing relevant casework throughout the process.

Family Services Specialist I represents an entry-level employee receiving training in the area of child welfare. 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 situation 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 plan
• Provides case management services to monitor compliance
• 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
• Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care
• Shelter duty – When activated by the County Administrator, must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter

Hiring Range: $51,210 (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 in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of social work principles and practices, human behavior and motivational theory, and social, economic, and health problems.
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle and holding a valid Virginia Driver's License.
• Skill in operating a personal computer with associated software, preferably Microsoft Office.
• Previous experience working with social work principles and practices.
• Experience with state associated database programs and software.
• 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 and developments in the social work field.
• Ability to plan and manage own work activities including service delivery, preparing reports and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities.
• 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 judgments 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/resume.

• 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.

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 citizens have access to best services and benefits available to them.