Family Services Specialist III- (Child Protective Services)

Family Services Specialist III- (Child Protective Services) Please see Special Instructions for more details. Medical Marijuana: In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy. Position Information Working Title of Vacant Position Family Services Specialist III- (Child Protective Services) Job Type Full Time Posting Type Public Number of Vacancies 2 Department HUMAN SVCS Division HS-SS FAMILY SERVICES Requisition Number 2026251 Number of hours worked per week 40 Work Schedule 8 am – 5 pm/ Monday -Friday. Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term departmental needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA Position Driving Requirement R - Routine Pay Grade GE13 Pay Basis Semi-Monthly Advertised Salary $61,647 / annually Starting salary based on qualifications and experience Job Description Now Hiring: Family Services Specialist III Chesapeake Department of Human Services – Social Services Division Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families? The City of Chesapeake is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Family Services Specialist III to join our In-Home Services Unit. This unit brings together Child Protective Services Ongoing and Prevention Services to focus on family preservation, safety, and well-being. Our approach supports families across three key scenarios: Children residing in their own homes Children temporarily placed with kin Children in long-term kinship care with ongoing family connections Using integrated, behavior-focused strategies, our team partners with families and community supports to ensure children are safe, families are engaged, and services are effective. Position Summary: As a Family Services Specialist III , you will provide advanced case management and may supervise staff in the delivery of critical human services. You’ll support families through complex situations by providing assessments, planning, crisis intervention, and direct services. This role is ideal for professionals who are skilled in navigating challenging dynamics with empathy, accountability, and professionalism. Key Responsibilities Include: Provide after-hours on-call coverage and respond to emergencies involving child/adult protective services and foster care Conduct investigations , screen referrals for validity, and assess both immediate and long-term risks to children Develop service plans with clearly documented goals, objectives, and tailored interventions Transport children to and from placements, medical appointments, therapy sessions, court, and family visitation Prepare and testify in court , coordinate cases with attorneys, and accompany clients to court appearances Interview all involved parties , establish and maintain collateral contacts, and gather comprehensive information for case assessments Provide program oversight , caseload management, and support to families throughout the service process File petitions, prepare home studies , and conduct court-ordered home and custody assessments Collaborate with community partners , attend professional workshops, and maintain accurate case records and documentation What You Bring Experience in family services, child welfare, or human services programs Strong decision-making, crisis management, and communication skills Knowledge of social work principles, trauma-informed care, and legal processes Ability to work independently within a supportive team environment Flexibility to work after hours when needed to meet urgent service demands Why Join Us? Be part of a purpose-driven team focused on preserving families and protecting children Work in a supportive environment that values collaboration, professional development, and well-being Make a difference—every day, every case, every child Help us shape brighter futures by supporting families when they need it most. The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure for a full list of benefits and employee perks. Required Qualifications VOCATIONAL / EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT : In order to be evaluated for vacancies in the Family Services Specialist job series, applicants shall possess the qualifications outlined in (1) OR (2) below:

1. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the human services field, including Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Counseling and Guidance, Counselor Education, Human Services, Sociology, Family and Child Development, Aging Studies, Gerontology, Criminal Justice with a minor in one of the above studies, or other related degrees determined by the Department of Human Resources based on the similarity of the curriculum and course content.
2. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field accompanied by a minimum of two years of appropriate and related, full-time equivalent experience in a human services related area. To be considered for promotion, persons currently employed in the Family Services Specialist job series by a local department prior to January 1, 1999, who do not meet the qualifications outlined in either (1) or (2) above, must possess four years of appropriate and related experience in a human services area and must have successfully completed all available competency-based training related to the promotional area.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT : In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of four years of appropriate and related, full-time equivalent experience. SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES : Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards . SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : Emergency Duty (On-Call) participation is required to comply with mandated responsibilities as listed under Section 63.2-1503,B; Section 63.2-900; and 63.2-1604-63.2-1610, Code of Virginia. Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term departmental needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Preferred Qualifications Transports children to placements, meetings, therapy sessions, doctor and dental appointments, and for visitation with families; Attends court, testifies in court and coordinates cases with attorneys; Provides parent education and support for families in target population; Conducts intensive in-home counseling; prepares reports to referral sources regarding status of various interventions; Interviews and assesses clients and assigns to appropriate groups; Informs clients of service programs and the rules and regulations, and right to participate; Conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility; Serves as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise; Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care; Performs investigative duties to include screens referrals for validity ADA Checklist Overall Physical Strength Demands Overall Physical Strength Demands S=Sedentary - Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or small weights frequently; sitting most of the time. Physical Demands C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs. Standing Standing Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Sitting Sitting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Walking Walking Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Lifting Lifting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Lifting Amount Lifting Amount Exerting up to 10 lbs Carrying Carrying Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Carrying Weight Carrying Weight Exerting up to 10 lbs Pushing/Pulling Pushing/Pulling Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Pushing/Pulling Weight Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 10 lbs Reaching Reaching Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Handling Handling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Fine Dexterity Fine Dexterity Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Kneeling Kneeling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Crouching Crouching Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. Crawling Crawling Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. Bending Bending Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Twisting Twisting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Climbing Climbing Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Balancing Balancing Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. Vision Vision Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Hearing Hearing Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Talking Talking Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Foot Controls Foot Controls Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used Computer, copier, fax, telephone, scanner, adding machine, calculator, printer, car and related equipment. Protective Equipment Required N/A Health and Safety D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never Mechanical Hazards Mechanical Hazards N = Never Chemical Hazards Chemical Hazards N = Never Electrical Hazards Electrical Hazards S = Seasonally Fire Hazards Fire Hazards S = Seasonally Explosives Explosives S = Seasonally Communicable Diseases Communicable Diseases S = Seasonally Physical Danger or Abuse Physical Danger or Abuse S = Seasonally Other If Other, Description D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never Dirt and Dust Dirt and Dust D = Daily Extreme Temperatures Extreme Temperatures D = Daily Noise and Vibration Noise and Vibration D = Daily Fumes and Odors Fumes and Odors D = Daily Wetness/Humidity Wetness/Humidity D = Daily Darkness or Poor Lighting Darkness or Poor Lighting D = Daily Primary Work Location Non-Physical Demands C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs. Time Pressures Time Pressures Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Emergency Situations Emergency Situations Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Frequent Change of Tasks Frequent Change of Tasks Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Tedious or Exacting Work Tedious or Exacting Work Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Noisy/Distracting Environment Noisy/Distracting Environment Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Other If Other, Description Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s) No #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Chesapeake Virginia