Family Services Specialist II

Family Services Specialist II
This essential position supports the well-being of older adults, incapacitated individuals, and children/youth involved in welfare programs. The Family Services Specialist II develops and implements individualized service plans using professional casework methods across Adult Protective Services (APS), Child Protective Services (CPS), Foster Care, and Adoption.

Responsibilities include conducting APS and CPS intake, assessing situations, and determining appropriate responses or referrals. The Family Services Specialist II participates in an on-call rotation, responds to emergencies related to APS, CPS, Foster Care, and Adoption, including after hours, weekends, and holidays, and provides emergency shelter support during disasters and natural emergencies.

Employees may specialize in one or more program areas or support multiple areas based on agency needs. The Family Services Specialist II performs thorough assessments, provides direct services independently, and seeks supervisory guidance when appropriate.

Accurate documentation and compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations are required. This role demands professionalism, a positive attitude, and strong teamwork skills. Effective communication and collaboration with agency staff and community partners are essential for delivering comprehensive client support.

Essential Functions:

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide fair, consistent, and effective services to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and department policies. Knowledge of normal and abnormal human behavior, child development, and various psychotherapy modalities. Knowledge of social work principles, ethics, human behavior, and group dynamics. Knowledge of loss and grief, family dynamics, and family systems. Knowledge of mental illness and intellectual disabilities in adults and children/youth. Knowledge of family engagement tools and techniques.

Ability to collect and analyze data and work independently. Ability to interpret laws, policies, and regulations concerning child/youth welfare. Ability to develop appropriate permanency plans. Ability to facilitate meetings and collaborate with community partners. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with professionals and the public. Ability to work effectively in both field and office settings.

Represents the full performance level responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods across Adult Protective Services (APS), Child Protective Services (CPS), Foster Care, Adoption, Child Care, and Prevention Services. May be responsible for mentoring Family Services Specialist (I) and interns.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field; or a Bachelor’s degree in any field with at least two (2) years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area, in accordance with section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia as implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services.

Experience working in Child Protective Services (CPS), Adult Protective Services (APS), Foster Care, Adoption or In-Home Services as a Family Services Specialist I within a local Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is Experience collaborating with community partners such as law enforcement, Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, courts, school systems, Community Services Boards, medical professionals, mental health providers, and licensing agencies.

Knowledge of social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health-related issues.

Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer, including standard office software.

Demonstrated ability to: Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview clients, assess needs, and provide appropriate referrals; develop and implement service plans to ensure effective service delivery; apply sound judgement within established laws, policies, and regulations; respond appropriately to clients’ emotional and behavioral needs; plan and manage work activities, including service delivery, report writing, correspondence, and recordkeeping; establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, community partners, and colleagues; and remain current on trends and developments in the social work field.

Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Preferred Qualifications
Moderate experience providing case management services in Adult Protective Services (APS), Child Protective Services (CPS), Foster Care, Adoption, Child Care, and Prevention Services. Experience gained through internships may be considered.

Experience in assigned program area(s), including completion of required training programs or an equivalent combination of training and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for optimal performance.

Experience with agency-related systems, such as OASIS, VaCMS, COMPASS, PeerPlace, Thomas Brothers, CANVaS, and NEICE.

Special Requirements:

Applicants may be subject to a criminal history background check, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.

The background investigation may include fingerprinting (State Police, FBI), local agency background assessments, employment verification and reference checks, verification of education (as related to the position), credit history review (as applicable to the position), and other screenings as required by the hiring authority.

EMPLOYMENT OFFERS ARE SUBJECT TO SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE NECESSARY BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS AND SCREENINGS.

Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license is required, in addition to a driving record that meets agency standards.

Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.