Family Services Specialist IV

General Statement of the Job & Essential Functions

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

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

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs case management duties, including planning and coordinating services for individuals and families; interviewing and identifying barriers; assessing client and family needs; developing and implementing service plans; monitoring progress; and completing 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 complex cases of suspected child abuse and neglect; evaluates high‑risk situations and takes appropriate measures to ensure child safety; determines appropriate actions and ensures all state‑mandated notifications are completed; arranges for necessary medical examinations; and performs detailed assessments to gather family history, strengths, mental capacity, physical development, and incidents of abuse. Exercises emergency removal authority and interviews and examines clients for possible injuries and life‑threatening situations. Represents the agency in both civil and criminal court proceedings; answers the hotline and enters reports of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation in the 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 needed. Plans and attends meetings, and works with other agencies such as the courts, public schools, treatment programs, and 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. Serves as a lead worker and expert resource for the child protective services unit. Assists in training, mentoring, and coaching unit staff. Provides assistance to the supervisor with record reviews and audit preparation. Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments are determined by the supervisor based on current workload and department needs. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Performance Indicators – Knowledge of Job Has considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations pertaining to child protective services; familiarity with forms, documents, and manuals associated with child protective services; and some knowledge of other programs administered through social services and community human services agencies or volunteer groups. Able to use common office machines and audio‑visual playback equipment; read and compare works and figures accurately; maintain accurate participant records; prepare reports; exercise independent judgment; communicate effectively orally and in writing; make oral presentations before large groups; explain rules, regulations, and policies in client‑friendly terms; exercise tact, courtesy, discretion, firmness, and fairness; handle confidential files; and establish effective working relationships as required by assignments. Performance Indicators – Quality of Work Maintains high standards of accuracy; exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies; and maintains high‑quality communication with co‑workers and the public. Performance Indicators – Quantity of Work Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under “Essential Job Functions.” Performance Indicators – Dependability Assumes responsibility for assigned work, meets deadlines, and completes work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, and prescribed procedures. Performance Indicators – Attendance Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies regarding absences and tardiness; provides adequate notice to higher management regarding time‑off requests. Performance Indicators – Initiative and Enthusiasm Maintains an enthusiastic, self‑reliant, and self‑starting approach to meet job responsibilities; anticipates work and initiates proper direction for completion with minimal supervision. Performance Indicators – Judgment Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility; identifies problems, specifies decision objectives, seeks alternative solutions, implements decisions, and seeks expert advice when needed. Performance Indicators – Cooperation Accepts supervisory instruction; strives to meet goals and objectives of the organization; handles requests, suggestions, and complaints from other departments; and maintains positive relationships. Performance Indicators – Coordination of Work Plans and organizes daily work routine, establishes priorities, avoids duplication of effort, estimates completion times, maintains a personal schedule, and attends meetings on time. Performance Indicators – Safety and Housekeeping Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and regulatory agencies; maintains a clean and orderly workplace. Education, Experience & Special Requirements Education & Experience • Bachelor’s degree in a human services field and considerable years of crisis intervention, social work, or case management experience; or a Bachelor’s degree in any field and considerable years of experience performing case work, crisis intervention, or social work. Special Requirements A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record; a comprehensive background check, including local, state, and federal criminal history and sex offender registry checks; and no record of a found 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. Physical Demands and Minimum Qualifications Physical Requirements Must be physically able to operate office equipment, drive a motor vehicle, lift or move objects up to 50 lbs occasionally, and stand or walk for periods of time. Data Conception & Interpersonal Communications Requires the ability to compare and judge data and people; to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information; and to manage instructions from superiors. Language & Communication Aptitude Requires the ability to read, write, and prepare reports using prescribed formats; to speak to people with poise, voice control, confidence; and to explain procedures in client‑friendly language. Intelligence & Verbal Aptitude Requires the ability to plan work, develop procedures, evaluate complex information, and make judgments; to record and deliver information; and to communicate effectively and efficiently in technical and professional language. Numerical & Spatial Aptitude Requires the ability to use mathematical formulas, perform calculations with decimals and percentages, and inspect items for proper dimensions. Motor Coordination & Manual Dexterity Requires coordination of hands and eyes while using office equipment and operating a motor vehicle; the ability to handle office equipment, control knobs, and switches; and basic eye/hand/foot coordination. Color Discrimination & Physical Communication Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades; as well as the ability to talk and/or hear effectively. ADA and Equal Opportunity Statement The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations. This is a class description and not an individual position description. A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification but is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification. #J-18808-Ljbffr Virginia Department of Social Services