Family Services Specialist I

Family Services Specialist IUnder general supervision, performs professional work in the protection, safety, placement and care of children, adults and families in need of services, resources, referrals and or treatment. Reports to the Family Services Supervisor, and will be assigned to the Adult Services unit.Performs work which may include, but is not limited to, working with children, and/or their families, who may be in danger of placement in foster care; facilitates treatment and prevention services to address mental health, substance abuse disorder and parenting skills; conducts visits with child/children in foster care; develops and implements plans to meet client needs, and establishes stability and/or permanency plans. Determines eligibility for childcare services. Investigates allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of elderly and disabled individuals; and conducts screenings to determine eligibility for geriatric assistance under established Medicaid guidelines. Performs case management duties to include 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, adults, the elderly, and disabled; implements services that focus on safety, self-care, family perseveration and family reunification; 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. 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, Family Assessment Planning Teams (FAPT), 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. 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; performs detailed assessments to gather family history and strengths, mental capacity, physical developments and incidents of abuse. Interviews and examines client(s) for possible injuries or life threatening situations. Represents the agency in both civil and criminal court proceedings. Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.Has knowledge of local, state and federal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to family services programs. Has knowledge of the forms, documents and manuals associated with family services programs. Has knowledge of other programs administered through community human services agencies or volunteer groups. Able to use common office machines and audio-visual playback equipment. Able to read and compare works and figures carefully and accurately. Able to maintain accurate participant records and prepare reports from such records. Able to exercise independent judgment in organizing and establishing format. Able to analyze and evaluate programs and to prepare reports on the programs' functioning. Is able to communicate effectively in oral and written form. Able to make oral presentations before large groups of people. Able to explain rules, regulations and policies of programs in terms understood by clients and the general public. Able to exercise considerable tact, courtesy, discretion, firmness and fairness in contact with program clients. Able to exercise considerable discretion in handling confidential files. Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.Bachelor's degree in a human services field (Social Work, Human Services, Sociology, Psychology, Family and Child Development, Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Gerontology or Guidance and Counseling) or a Bachelor's degree in any field and considerable years of related experience.