Family Services Specialist III

Job Title Family Services Specialist III - Foster Care Department Department of Social Services Pay Grade 213 Salary Range $56,954 - $74,040 FLSA Status Non-Exempt Summary The City of Fredericksburg Department of Social Services (FDSS) is recruiting for a full‑time Family Services Specialist to perform the duties of a Foster Care Worker. This role involves case management and support for children in foster homes. Key Responsibilities Perform difficult case management duties under general supervision for programs administered by the City Social Services Department. Handle cases that require greater involvement in sensitive and traumatic situations and complex duties such as interviewing/investigating referrals, out‑of‑home placements, guardianships, emergency protective orders, adoptions, testifying in legal proceedings, and placing children in foster/adoptive homes. Establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, families and other human service agencies and coordinate services and resources for assigned caseload. Participate in permanent planning team meetings, Family Partnership Meetings, Family Assessment and Planning Team Meetings (FAPT), and court proceedings. Maintain case records and files, write and prepare required reports. Respond to an on‑call rotation with a one‑hour response time. Minimum Qualifications Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a Human Services field. Or a Bachelor’s degree in any field with at least two years of appropriate related experience in a human services area. Must pass a criminal background check including the Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry. Valid Virginia driver’s license. Preferred Qualifications Considerable experience in assigned program area and completion of required training or equivalent combination. Prior experience working for an LDSS. Ability to speak a language other than English. Essential Job Functions Provide complex professional case management, referral and assistance to clients for an assigned caseload. Serve cases requiring greater involvement in sensitive and traumatic situations. Interview clients and assess their situations and service needs. Consult with family members, schools, hospitals and other human service organizations; work with clients to develop a service plan. Investigate referred cases of suspected client abuse or neglect, conduct home visits, assess validity of reports, exercise emergency removal authority, file petitions to court, testify in court, and conduct drug tests as needed. Place children in foster care, monitor child’s care in foster homes, coordinate and supervise parental visitation, and resolve issues with foster parents. Respond to after‑hours emergency calls and provide emergency assistance. Perform clerical and administrative functions to support caseload management; strong oral and written communication skills required. May staff an emergency shelter when necessary. Serve on an on‑call rotation and respond within one hour to an emergency within the City area when needed. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of local, state and federal laws governing social services, foster care, adoption, and child/adult protective services. Knowledge of forms, documents and manuals associated with assigned programs. Knowledge of interviewing and interpersonal relationship techniques. Knowledge of social and economic factors in the community that affect family interactions and problems. Knowledge of other programs administered through the City Social Services Department and community human services agencies. Ability to conduct interviews, identify client needs, consult with clients, families, schools, and agencies, develop and implement service plans, investigate abuse or neglect. Work Environment The work is regularly performed in a crisis environment involving major decisions and high levels of stress from distressed clients and families. The position is eligible for telework two days a week after full training and approval. Benefits The City of Fredericksburg provides a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including participation in the Virginia Retirement System, health, dental, vision insurance, vacation/sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per year. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The City of Fredericksburg provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Other Information To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. #J-18808-Ljbffr Virginia Department of Social Services