Job Description

Posting number: 13964

Department: Human Services

Division: Division of Social Services

Job classification: Family Services Worker II

Posting type: Open

Categories: Social Services, Professional, Miscellaneous, Human Services, Community and Social Services

Summary

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Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself. Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) connects eligible citizens to federal, state and local resources for food, healthcare, childcare, cash assistance, workforce development, and energy and utility assistance. Some of the services we provide are Adult Protective Services, Services for at-risk youth and their families, Adoption and Foster Care, Resources for homeless families and individuals in Norfolk, college internships, Senior and Veterans assistance, and more.

The DHS is seeking a Family Services Worker II to conduct home studies, assess family needs, and provide protective and supportive services for children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. This position investigates reports of abuse and neglect, provides case management for Child Protective Services (CPS) and Family Support, and develops service plans tailored to family and individual needs. Responsibilities include maintaining thorough documentation in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements.

Key duties include:

• Investigate validated referrals of abuse and neglect, assessing ongoing safety and risk factors.
• Manage a caseload to ensure timely interviews, documentation, and safe placement options when needed.
• Collaborate with law enforcement and complete background checks as required.
• Prepare affidavits, appear in court, and provide testimony for civil and criminal matters.
• Research and identify appropriate placement options.
• Ensure all documents are scanned and uploaded to the electronic case file.
• Participate in a rotating schedule to respond to CPS hotline calls after hours.

Department Hiring Salary: $56,900- $65,294

Examples of duties

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Investigates referrals of suspected child abuse/neglect.
• Conducts field visits to schools, homes, hospitals, and various community settings.
• Works in collaboration with law enforcement, licensing, and a variety of community partners to investigate/assess child abuse/neglect allegations.
• Determines clients’ needs based on interviews and plans appropriate course of action.
• Advises and arranges protection for clients faced with emotional, physical, and environmental stress.
• Refers high and very high-risk families with a history of sexual abuse, chronic abuse/neglect, domestic violence for case management services,
• Must have the ability to be part of a multi-disciplinary team believing that the best solutions come from the families themselves.
• Takes part in family team meetings to assure family empowerment, family involvement and ownership in the service planning process working through to solutions.
• Counsels’ clients to advise them of services available.
• Formulates a variety of court documents,
• Appears in court to advise, recommend, and testify concerning cases,
• Requires knowledge of social work principals and ethics with particular attention to respect and appreciation for family competencies.
• Must have good writing skills.
• Maintains case files and prepares reports as required including OASIS and other local software programs.
• Requires the ability to work collaboratively with community-based agencies, police department and health care providers and court personnel so that the team works as one in the best interest of the family’s needs and wants.
• Provides crisis intervention when necessary.
• Requires strong facilitation skills.

Qualifications

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 (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia). Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.

Two (2) years' experience in social services.

Minimum 1-year prior CPS experience preferred.

Supplemental information

• Valid Driver's License may be required depending on assignment.
• Signing Bonus: This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus for new hires.