Family Services Specialist II

Title Description This is the full performance level in the occupational group for Family Services. Employees are responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods in Employment Services and Child Care, and basic service level caseloads of Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, Adoptions. Employees may provide services in all program areas or specialize in one or several program areas. Typically employees perform all tasks independently and only seek supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory review or involvement. The Family Services Specialist II is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist III by the latter's functioning at the advanced level, and becoming more specialized in program areas and assuming more complex duties (such as interviewing/investigating in cases involving suspected child/adult abuse/neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianships, emergency protective orders, and adoptions). Family Partnership Meeting (FPM) Facilitator is responsible for scheduling, preparing (including interviewing), facilitating, and documenting FPM's involving the application of casework methods in basic service level caseloads of CPS, In-Home, Foster Care and Adoptions. General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility; Monitors, coordinates and administers specific programs as assigned; Coordinates services within specific area of responsibility; Interviews and assesses customer needs and other relevant factors – such as education/skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems; Informs clients of related service programs rules/regulations, and right to participate; Presents cases to determine appropriate services and writes/implements service plans; Provides case management services to monitor compliance; Manages program waiting lists; Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services; Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements; Coordinates with other agencies and participates in multi-disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers; Conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility; Serves as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise; and Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge- Working knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; and social, economic, and health problems. Skills- Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software. Abilities- Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed; develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field. Education and Experience Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area. Experience in assigned program area and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable. Minimum Qualifications Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area as mandated in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia. Experience in foster care, adoptions, CPS and/or In-home and completion of VDSS training programs or equivalent combination of training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Proficiency with personal computer and associated software to include Microsoft Word. Ability to meet deadlines and maintain case documentation within a case management system. Preferred Qualifications Experienced facilitation, de-escalation and re-direction of clients, family members, professionals during FPMs. Strong verbal and communication skills; skill in interviewing to gather, interpret, and use data appropriately; excellent organization skills; ability to handle multiple tasks and work effectively as a team member. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with families to identify solutions to specific issues or challenges such as parenting, behavior management, childcare, financial stability, housing, mental health, substance abuse, etc. Experience assembling information and making written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner. Special Requirements Applicants will be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and pre-employment drug/alcohol screen. The investigation may include fingerprint checks, employment verification/references & credit checks (relevant to employment), and other checks requested by the hiring authority. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings. #J-18808-Ljbffr Virginia Department of Social Services