Salary Range $42,542-$79,088
Position is for a Family Services Specialist I for CPS
Title Description- This is a professional position. This recruitment is for positions in Child Protective Services.
The Family Services Specialist I represents entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in Child Protective Services; Family Assessment and Investigation cases, on-going cases ,and Truancy Cases.
This position specializes in program areas such as interviewing/assessing of child abuse/neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianship, emergency protective orders, testifying in legal proceedings and placing children in foster/adoptive homes.
Employees have contacts with others and influence outcome by participating on task forces, strategic planning, mentoring, teaching, and conducting outreach.
This position may report to the Assistant Director, Child Protective Services Supervisor or a Senior Worker.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a human service field or a Bachelor's Degree in any field accompanied by a minimum of two years related experience (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).
Some knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health problems.
Knowledge of relevant community and public resources that might be needed for foster children.
Skill in operation of a personal computer and the associated software and the operation of a motor vehicle.
Demonstrates 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 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; work in stressful situations and maintain diplomacy; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports and relationships with others; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
Demonstrated ability to interview, collect data, gather information and investigate related to Social Service programs.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior work experience in a human services field or an internship in a human services field.
Current or prior work experience in a local department of social services office. Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker License
BSW/MSW
Bilingual English/Spanish.
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.
Experience with a local Department of Social Services, Community Service Board or other agency that provides direct services to children, adults and/or families.
Experience working with community partners such as: Police Department, School System, County Administrator, Community Service Board, Community Policy Management Team, Family Assessment Planning Team and Faith Based agencies.
Experience working with families, conducting meetings and assessing the strengths and needs of children and families.
Working knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; and social, economic, and health problems.
Special Requirements
Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, OMV/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.
May require after-hours on-call.
May require reporting for shelter duty during emergencies and/or disasters. A sealed copy of college transcript must be provided prior to employment.
Requires valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license to include driving record that meets agency standard.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications/resumes for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information provided on the application and resume. Selected applicants will be contacted by the phone number/email address listed on the application or resume. Please refer to your LHRC account for the status of your application and this position.
Contact Information
Name Marie Hopkins
Phone: 540-564-6163
Email: marie.hopkins@dss.virginia.gov
Address: Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District 110 North Mason Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802
VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizen have access to best services and benefits available to them.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.
The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.
The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
