Family Services Specialist II

About the position

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.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management services for children/youth
• Conduct monthly face-to-face visits with child/youth in foster care
• Document monthly face to face visits, structured decision-making tools, and mandated screens (court, and if applicable education, independent living, etc.) in OASIS
• Secure funding for needed services through the Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) process
• Meet with supervisor regularly to address case direction, services, and needs
• Complete Medicaid and Title IV-E redeterminations
• Maintain and document regular contact with foster care children/youth, community partners, parents, relatives, and providers via face-to-face, e-mail, or phone
• Develop, transcribe, and submit service plans and reviews
• Represent the Department in court proceedings, including interpreting laws, filing petitions, compiling evidence, preparing court reports, and testifying
• Provide or arrange transportation for each foster care case for visitation, appointments, school, and related activities
• Use creative strategies to intervene with varied client populations
• Coordinate with peers and community partners to develop plans of service that address the social, health and emotional needs of clients
• Provide specialized casework services to assist clients in addressing and resolving emotional and environmental challenges
• Collaborate with public school systems to meet educational needs of foster children/youth
• Provide immediate response to Child Protective Service (CPS) and Adult Protective Service (APS) complaints and/or case crises during regular working hours and as part of an on-call rotation
• Provide crisis intervention services to foster children/youth and their families
• Guide case planning in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations, and review policy changes upon implementation
• All other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 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 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.

Nice-to-haves

• 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.