Family Services Specialist I

Franklin County Department of Social Services is a Level II agency employing 82 staff who work each day to serve, empower, and create opportunities for the citizens of Franklin County. Franklin County Department of Social Services strives to provide a family friendly, positive work environment. The agency offers flexible hours within a 37.5 hour work week. Franklin County, situated along the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is 30 minutes south of Roanoke, VA and 30 minutes north of Martinsville, VA. The development of Philpott Lake in 1953 and Smith Mountain Lake in 1966 gave rise to Franklin County’s current designation as the “Land between the Lakes.”

This recruitment is for a position in the Child Protective Services or Foster Care Unit. This is a professional position. Family Services Specialist I represents the entry level for employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as Adult Protective Services, or Child Protective Services. Employees perform routine entry level casework activities and the casework is usually reviewed by the supervisor prior to implementing case action.

General work tasks include, but not limited to:

• Interpreting laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility.
• Monitors, coordinates, and administers specific programs as assigned.
• Coordinates services within the 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 list.
• Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates, and ensures payment for services.
• Completes necessary federal, state, and local planning and reporting requirements.
• Conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility.
• Serves as a resource to clients and the community in area of expertise.
• Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
• Knowledge of social work principles and practices, human behavior and motivational theory, and social, economic, and health problems.
• Knowledge of laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas and legal procedures as related to program area.
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle and possess a favorable driving record.
• Skill in operating a personal computer with associated software.
• 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.
• Ability to analyze case information to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations.
• Ability to respond to the client’s emotions in order to accomplish services objectives.
• Ability to plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities, and related activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
• Valid Virginia driver’s license on or before the first day of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Special RequirementsApplicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.

The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.

Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
Special Instructions to ApplicantsApplications 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. Franklin County Social Services is located in Rocky Mount, VA 24151. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume. Please refer to your RMS account for the status of your application and this position.
Name Renee Smith
Phone 540-483-6105
Fax
Email renee.smith@dss.virginia.gov
Address