Hiring Range: $40,693 to $80,000
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
This position is dedicated to Adult Services/Adult Protective Services.
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.
This position is responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans through the application of casework methods for moderate complexity level Adult Services/Adult Protective Services caseloads. The employee independently plans and manages their workload and may assist with the coordination of work activities for subordinate staff by providing guidance, coaching, training, and onboarding support, as assigned.
General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) –
Program Coordination & Administration
1. Monitors, coordinates, and administers assigned programs within designated areas of responsibility.
2. Coordinates services and resources to meet program and client needs.
3. Tracks expenditures; prepares and submits budget estimates; ensures timely payment for services.
4. Completes required federal, state, and local planning, documentation, and reporting.
5. Manages program waiting lists and oversees overall program monitoring.
6. Interprets and applies applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
7. Provides program administration and caseload management services.
Case Management & Service Planning
8. Writes comprehensive service plans and presents cases to determine appropriate services.
9. Develops written service plans outlining goals, objectives, and service delivery details.
10. Provides case management services to monitor compliance and service effectiveness.
11. Conducts visits and maintains ongoing contact with clients and collaborating professionals.
12. Refers individuals and families to appropriate community-based treatment and support resources.
Child Welfare & Foster Care Services
13. Provides foster care casework services.
14. Trains and supports foster parents.
15. Submits required progress and status reports to the court.
16. Transports children to placements, visitations, meetings, therapy sessions, and medical/dental appointments.
17. Provides after-hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies related to child/adult protective services and foster care.
Court & Legal Coordination
18. Attends court hearings, testifies in court, and coordinates cases with attorneys and legal representatives.
19. Prepares and submits court-related documentation and reports.
Assessment, Investigation & Protective Services
20. Performs investigative duties, including screening referrals for validity.
21. Interviews clients and all parties involved in reported cases.
22. Assesses immediate and long-term risks and safety concerns for children.
23. Conducts client interviews and assessments; assigns clients to appropriate services or groups.
Client Education, Counseling & Support
24. Provides parent education, support, and guidance to families within the target population.
25. Conducts intensive in-home counseling services.
26. Prepares and submits reports to referral sources regarding intervention progress and outcomes.
27. Informs clients of available service programs, participation requirements, and client rights.
Community & Professional Collaboration
28. Serves as a resource to clients, professionals, and the community within area of expertise.
29. Maintains collaborative relationships with service providers, agencies, and stakeholders.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge- 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.
Skills-Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated software and the operation of a motor vehicle.
Abilities-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
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 (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.
Minimum Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field OR Bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum of 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.
· Experience in public social work, including work with adults and families, with demonstrated ability to develop and implement service plans.
· Experience collaborating with community professionals such as physicians, mental health professionals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health care agencies to support adults and families, resolve problems, and coordinate referrals for services.
· Proficiency in the use of personal computers and standard office software, including Microsoft Word.
· Experience utilizing at least two (2) of the following systems: PeerPlace, MES, and/or SPIDeR.
· Possession of a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, with licensure as a Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Virginia, preferred.
· Considerable experience in Adult Services and/or Adult Protective Services, including conducting investigations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
· Demonstrated ability to serve as a lead worker by mentoring, training, and guiding staff, while communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
· Successful completion of all required Commonwealth of Virginia mandated Adult Services and/or Adult Protective Services training.
Special Requirements:
· Applicants may be subject to a criminal history background check, Central Registry search, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screening.
· The background investigation may include fingerprint-based checks through the Virginia State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), local agency checks, employment and reference verification, verification of education relevant to the position, credit checks when job-related, and any other checks deemed necessary by the hiring authority.
· This position is covered under Code of Virginia §63.2-1601.1 and/or §63.2-1720, requiring the finalist candidate to submit fingerprints and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.
· All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion and results of all required background checks and screenings.
· Employee must be willing and able to work in a community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered applications will not be accepted. This website will provide a confirmation receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume. Please refer to your PeopleAdmin/RMS account for the status of your application and this position.