Family Services Specialist II (Family Preservation) Albemarle
This position provides In-Home services to families to safely maintain children in their home, prevent further abuse/neglect, and reduce the risk of foster care. In-Home Services was formerly referred to as Ongoing Child Protective Services and Foster Care Prevention Services before the April 2021 update to VDSS guidance.”
Up to 50% of this position’s responsibilities will also include the preparation and facilitation of Family Partnership Meetings.
Performs responsible, equitable, and professional casework in an inclusive team environment in accordance with established social work/counseling principles. Uses an asset-based approach to engage with the client system in developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods and applicable program policies. Supports and assists clients with safety, personal, family, social, health, and economic needs. Empowers the client/family to attain their highest level of self-sufficiency.
General tasks include but not limited to:
- Interprets laws, policies, and regulations as applied to the specific area of responsibility.
- Assesses cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning of children and their families, and develops and implements sophisticated psychosocial case plans which integrate psychodynamic, systemic, medical, and social-ecological intervention approaches.
- Provides direct counseling, applying family-systems treatment models to complex family situations, in such a way as to strengthen families and prevent family dissolution.
- Plans, oversees, and participates directly in court intervention to protect children and to achieve goals of safety, permanency, and well-being of children.
- Informs clients of specific and related service programs, rules/regulations, and the right to participate.
- Presents cases in supervisory, team, and other settings to determine appropriate services and writes/implements service plans.
- Provides case management services and monitors outcomes of services.
- Assesses, secures, and monitors financial resources for which the child is eligible (e.g. social security, child support, etc.).
- Follows the requirements for funding authorization and service payments for services for children and their families.
- Completes necessary federal, state, and local planning and reporting requirements, including documentation entered into OASIS.
- Coordinates with other agencies and participates in multi-disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers.
- Serves as a resource to clients and the community in the area of expertise.
- Provides coverage after hours and on weekends, on a rotating on-call basis, for emergencies involving abuse or neglect of children and adolescents, and for situations requiring immediate attention regarding children in the legal custody of the Department of Social Services.
- Participates in the staffing of emergency shelters as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Required: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field; or minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in any field and minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area.
Working knowledge of social work principles and practices; social, economic and health problems; institutions and the methods of the helping process; individual and group behavior. Knowledge of child and adolescent growth and development, family structure and dynamics, the impact of physical and mental conditions on families, and crisis intervention.
Skill in using a personal computer with associated software.
- Ability to identify social problems and client strengths and needs and to assess the ability to individual and families to utilize services in problem solving; recognize and accept the rights, responsibilities, and differences of others; work effectively with individuals and families in helping them attain success; plan and organize work; understand and interpret laws, policies and regulations; communicate and establish effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, other professional and technical staff, social agencies and the general public; and prepare reports and maintain records.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the 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 Bachelor’s or Master’s of Social Work degree.
- Commonwealth of Virginia Social Work license is desirable.
- Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.
Special Requirements
Workers in this position are required to drive and they must meet eligibility requirements of the County’s safe driver policy.