This essential position supports the well-being of older adults, incapacitated individuals, and children involved in welfare programs. The Family Services Specialist II develops and implements individualized service plans using professional casework methods across Employment Services, Child Care, Adult Protective Services (APS), Child Protective Services (CPS), Foster Care, and Adoptions. Responsibilities include conducting Service intake, APS intake, and CPS intake, assessing situations, and determining appropriate responses or referrals. The Specialist participates in a 24-hour on-call rotation, responding to emergencies related to APS, CPS, and Foster Care, including after hours, weekends, and holidays; provides emergency shelter duty in times of emergencies and natural disasters Employees may specialize in one or more program areas or cover multiple areas based on agency needs. The Specialist performs thorough assessments, provides direct services independently, and seeks supervisory input when necessary. Accurate documentation and compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations are required. This role demands professionalism, a positive attitude, and strong teamwork skills. Effective communication and collaboration with agency staff and community partners are essential for delivering comprehensive client support.
Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s): Working knowledge of: social work principles and practices, human behavior and motivational theory, as well as laws, policies, and regulations relevant to human services program areas. They understand the complex social, economic, and health issues affecting clients. Skill in: operating a motor vehicle and proficiency in using personal computers and associated software. Demonstrated ability to communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to interview clients, assess their needs, provide counseling, and make appropriate referrals to additional resources. They are capable of developing and implementing individualized service plans to ensure clients receive the necessary support. Sound judgment is required to make decisions within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations, and the ability to respond sensitively to clients’ emotions to achieve service goals is essential. Additionally, the candidate must be able to independently plan and manage work activities, including service delivery, preparing reports and correspondence, maintaining records, and performing related tasks. Establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships, both within the agency and the community, is vital, as it is staying informed about current trends and developments in the social work field. A valid Virginia driver’s license is required for this position to facilitate travel for client visits and community collaboration.
Qualifications – Education, Experience, Licensure, and Certification: 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. Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.
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.
