Family Services Specialist III (king And Queen)

Family Services Specialist III (King And Queen)

Looking for a meaningful career where you can make a real difference? King and Queen County is hiring a compassionate Family Services Specialist III to help children, families, and vulnerable adults.

If you're seeking a flexible work environment in a rural county and a team-based approach to human services, we want to talk to you. Join our community of dedicated professionals and do meaningful work every day.

This the specialist level in the class series for Family Services. Employees specialize in program areas and assume 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; testifying in legal proceedings; and placing children in foster/adoptive homes. Employees have contacts with others and influence outcomes by participating on task forces, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching, and conducting outreach. Programs areas generally include Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adoptions. Additionally, in some agencies, positions may be partly dedicated to Child Care and Employment Services in addition to other program areas. The Family Services Specialist III is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist IV class by the latter's functioning as a lead worker, or an expert resource specialist.

General work tasks include: monitoring, coordinating and administering specific assigned programs; coordinating services within specific area of responsibility; writing service plans, and presenting cases to determine appropriate services; tracking expenditures, preparing/submitting budget estimates and ensuring payment for services; interpreting laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility; completing necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements; managing program waiting lists; providing case management services to monitor compliance; providing foster care casework services; training foster parents; submitting progress reports to the court; referring families to treatment resources within the community; transporting children to placements, meetings, therapy sessions, doctor and dental appointments, and for visitation with families; attending court, testifying in court and coordinating cases with attorneys; providing parent education and support for families in target population; conducting intensive in-home counseling; preparing reports to referral sources regarding status of various interventions; interviewing and assessing clients and assigning to appropriate groups; informing clients of service programs and the rules and regulations, and right to participate; conducting overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility; serving as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise; providing after hours on-call coverage and responding to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care; performing investigative duties to include screens referrals for validity; interviewing all parties involved; assessing immediate and long-term dangers/risks to children; developing written services plan documenting goals, objectives and details of the services provided for each case; providing program administration and caseload management services; conducting visits and maintaining contact with other professionals; accompanying victims and their families to court appearances; serving as support for the family; filing petitions; testifying in criminal and civil cases; preparing court ordered home assessments and custody home studies; establishing and maintaining case records; coding, entering and updating new and on-going cases in the state computer information system; and representing the agency at various functions such as making speeches at civic and business associations, providing training and workshops on child/adult abuse and neglect for public and private organizations.

Considerable knowledge of social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; investigating and interviewing techniques; legal procedures as related to program area; and social, economic, and health problems. Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated software and the operation of a motor vehicle. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed; investigate high risk cases; testify in court proceedings; develop and present training programs and other presentations; interpret program laws, policies and regulations; develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; analyze case information to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; develop speeches and represent the agency on program training and workshops; work in stressful situations and maintain diplomacy; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; establish and maintain effective relationships with others; and 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 (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia). Considerable 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. Demonstrated experience and/or training in child welfare is desirable. Demonstrated experience in working with families is desirable.

All applicants are subject to a DMV driving record check, pre-employment drug screen, and CPS and criminal history search. The investigation may include fingerprint checks(State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education(relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks requested by the hiring authority. Employee must be willing to work in community emergency response capacity in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. Family Services Specialists are required to perform Child Protective and Adult Protective on-call duties after hours, nights, weekends and holidays in a rotation with their team members.

Applicants are encouraged to provide a complete listing of work experience and qualifications on the application. Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through the website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. The website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is solely based on the information within the application and/or resume. This position is open until filled.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer