Family Services Specialist II-CPS

Family Services Specialist II-CPS

Under general supervision, performs professional work in the protection, safety, and care of children in need of services, resources, referrals and or treatment. Reports to the Family Services Supervisor and will be assigned to the Child Protective Services unit.

Performs case management duties to include, but are not limited to, planning and coordinating services for individuals and families; interviews and identifies barriers; performs assessment of client and family needs; develops and implements service plans to address the nature and the extent of needs for the child/children; implements services that focus on safety, monitors progress and completes routine paperwork in timeframes established by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). Initiates or approves credit authorizations and purchase orders for client needs and services and maintains financial records. Investigates cases of suspected child abuse and neglect; evaluates high-risk situations and takes appropriate measures to ensure the safety of children; determines appropriate actions and ensures all state mandated notifications are completed; arranges for necessary medical examinations and performs detailed assessments to gather family history and strengths, mental capacity and physical development, incidents of abuse. Exercises emergency removal authority; and interviews and examines client(s) for possible injuries and life-threatening situations. Represents the agency in both civil and criminal court proceedings. Answers hotline and records reports of child abuse, neglect and exploitation in VDSS system. Travels and transports children; conducts home visits, counsels, and serves as an advocate for clients' rights. Initiates court petitions, prepares written reports for court submission, attends court hearings and testifies as necessary. Coordinates with local law enforcement as necessary. Plans and attends meetings, and works with other agencies such as the courts, public schools, treatment programs, and other community partners. Serves as a resource and provides agency information and/or resources to the community. May facilitate or assist in the facilitation of agency groups. Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Has knowledge of local, state and federal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to child protective services. Has knowledge of the forms, documents and manuals associated with child protective services. Has knowledge of other programs administered through Social Services and through community human services agencies or volunteer groups. Is able to use common office machines and audio-visual playback equipment. Is able to read and compare works and figures carefully and accurately. Is able to maintain accurate participant records and prepare reports from such records. Is able to exercise independent judgment in organizing and establishing format. Is able to analyze and evaluate programs and to prepare reports on the programs' functioning. Is able to communicate effectively in oral and written form. Is able to make oral presentations before large groups of people. Is able to explain rules, regulations and policies of programs in terms understood by clients and the general public. Is able to exercise considerable tact, courtesy, discretion, firmness and fairness in contact with program clients. Is able to exercise considerable discretion in handling confidential files. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a human services field and 1 – 2 years of crisis intervention, social work or case management experience; or a Bachelor's degree in any field and 2 - 3 years of experience performing case work, crisis intervention or social work.

An acceptable general background check to include a local, state and federal criminal history and sex offender registry check. Individuals in this position cannot be listed as having a founded child abuse or neglect complaint.

Required to work on-call on a 24-hour rotational basis to respond to emergencies and routine situations. Completion of mandatory child protective services state training is required.

A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Physical Demands

Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines which include a computer, calculator, copier, facsimile machine, telephone, police radio, beeper, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move children or objects. Medium Work may involve walking, driving, or standing for periods of time.