Family Services Specialist I

Family Services Specialist I

Requirements

• Some knowledge of social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health problems.
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement service plans in order to ensure the delivery of appropriate services to the client.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to the client’s emotions in order to accomplish services objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
• 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 and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services.
• Possession of a valid Virginia driver’s license or the ability to obtain one prior to employment.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.