Family Services Specialist IV

Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provides psychosocial support and case management services to children, families, adults, and vulnerable populations experiencing abuse, neglect, illness, crisis, or other social challenges
• Serves as a lead worker and provides guidance, consultation, mentoring, and support to Family Services staff
• Assists with staff coverage, workload distribution, training, and case reviews
• Provides back-up supervision in the absence of the supervisor
• Ensures timely response and assignment of abuse and neglect reports
• Participates in on-call rotations and helps ensure 24-hour agency coverage for emergency response
• Handles complex and high-profile cases involving crisis intervention, advocacy, assessment, service planning, and coordination of services
• Prepares court reports, service plans, home studies, psychosocial assessments, and other documentation
• Represents the agency in court proceedings and provides testimony as required
• Conducts field visits, staffing meetings, and consultations with service providers and community partners
• Develops and conducts training for staff, interns, and community stakeholders
• Supervises and mentors social work interns
• Interprets and applies federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations
• Assists with program development, implementation, and evaluation
• Maintains accurate case documentation and records in compliance with agency standards

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Comprehensive knowledge of social work principles, case management practices, and human behavior
• Knowledge of child welfare, adult services, and human services laws, policies, and regulations
• Strong assessment, interviewing, counseling, and crisis intervention skills
• Ability to manage difficult and sensitive situations professionally and effectively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prepare court documentation and testify in legal proceedings
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to provide leadership, coaching, and training to staff
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, courts, service providers, and community partners
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management systems

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field
  OR
• Bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two (2) years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services setting in accordance with Virginia regulations

In addition, candidates must have:

• Considerable experience in human services or social services programs
• Experience in leadership or lead worker role
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license
• Experience in Child Protective Services, Foster Care, Adult Services, APS, or related Family Services programs

Working Conditions

• Participation in an after-hours on-call rotation
• Court appearances and field visits
• Travel within and outside the locality
• Exposure to stressful or crisis situations
• Working with individuals and families experiencing trauma and complex social issues

Benefits

Sussex County Department of Social Services offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial security, and work-life balance:

• Health Insurance: High-Deductible Health Plan with $0 monthly premium for employee-only coverage and employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
• Retirement: Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) (Plan 1, Plan 2, or Hybrid), including mandatory employee contributions
• Group Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage through VRS equal to 2x annual salary
• Voluntary Benefits: Options including deferred compensation plans, supplemental insurance (AFLAC), optional life insurance, and legal services
• Payroll: Paid semi-monthly