Family Services Specialist I/II (Adult Protective Services)

Do you want to have an impact, truly make a difference? At Westmoreland County Department of Social Services so do we! Our agency is small but mighty and looking for a Family Services Specialist that wants to be part of a hard-working but fun-loving team. Westmoreland County is part of the region referred to as the Northern Neck; an area rich in history, beautiful vistas, outdoor recreation opportunities, and close-knit communities. Maybe its also the place for you!
This recruitment is for a Family Services Specialist I/II to serve in the area of Adult Services/Protective Services (population 60+ years old and incapacitated adults 18+ years old) casework and investigations but may include, or work primarily in, other areas of responsibility, such as child protective services, depending upon candidate selected.

A Family Services Specialist I represents the entry-level position in the Family Services Specialists Occupation group. FSS I employees work under close supervision while being trained in Family Services program areas. Employees perform routine entry-level casework activities and the casework is usually reviewed by the supervisor prior to the worker implementing any case action.
A Family Services Specialist II represents the full performance level of a Family Services Specialist position. Employees are responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods and basic service level caseloads. Employees perform all tasks independently and seek supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory review or involvement.
General work tasks include, but not limited to:

• Interprets laws, policies, and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility.
• Monitors, coordinates, and administers specific programs as assigned.
• Coordinates services within 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 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.
• Some knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health problems.
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle
• Skill in operating a personal computer with associated software. (Microsoft Office to include Outlook, Word, and Excel)
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed; develop and implement service plans in order to ensure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client’s emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.
• Previous experience working with Social Work principles & practices OR internship experience in related human services field.
• Experience with and knowledge of adult welfare practices.
• Previously worked in a local Department of Social Services agency in Virginia.
• Experience working with community partners or stakeholders

Special Requirements

Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.
Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
Employees are required to work outside of normal business hours at times; participate in the after hours on-call rotation; and participate as part of the local emergency response team as needed.
Employee may be required to travel overnight for training, placement of youths, and/or monthly visits to youths.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Name Sandra Earnshaw
Phone 804-493-9305
Fax
Email
Address