Family Services Specialist I

This job announcement is a courtesy job post for the City of Lynchburg local Social Services agency. It is not a position of the Virginia Department of Social Services or any other Commonwealth of Virginia agency. Local employment opportunities may also be available through the local agency’s city or county website/job board(s)." Apply here: https://www.lynchburgva.gov/human-resources Title Description- Family Services Specialist I represents the entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as, Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. Employees perform routine- to journey-level casework activities and the casework usually is reviewed by the supervisor prior to implementing a case action. Upon completion of the training program and attainment of necessary approvals, the employee shall be redefined to a full-performance Family Services Specialist II and becomes eligible for a pay increase as defined by the local agency compensation plan. The Family Services Specialist I is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist II by the latter’s functioning more independently as a full performance Family Services Specialist.
General Work Tasks
- 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 lists;
- Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services;
- Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements;
- Coordinates with other agencies and participates in multi-disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers;
- Conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility;
- Serves as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise; and
- Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.
- Some knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health problems.

Skills- Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.
Abilities- 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 insure 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.
Education and Experience- 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.
Minimum Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Special Requirements: Possession of valid drivers license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record according to City criteria. Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Apply at City of Lynchburg https://www.lynchburgva.gov/human-resources Supplemental Questionnaire: 01 Describe how your work/education/ experience directly relates to working with children and families. Be specific.
02
This position requires that you possess a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in a Human Services field (social work, sociology, psychology, criminal justice, political science or child development) or in the last semester of a degree program. Please certify below that you possess such a degree.
03
While this job normally follows a Monday-Friday schedule, the employee may be required to work outside normal working hours, including being on-call for emergencies after hours and on weekends. Are you willing to work this type of schedule?

- Yes
- No
04
Transporting agency clients is a requirement of this job that requires that you be at least 21 years of age. Please certify below that you are at least 21 years of age.

- Yes
- No
05
(Current Out-of-State applicants and applicants who have had an Out-of-State Drivers License at any time in the last 3 years): I agree to provide, WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF MY APPLICATION, a copy of my driving record from that state where I am currently licensed or have been licensed within the past 3 years. I will contact Human Resources within 2 weeks if I am unable to obtain my out of state driving record in that time. I understand that my application may not be considered for this position until I submit my out of state driving record. You can email this information to [email protected], or fax to 434-845-4304 or mail this information to Human Resources, 900 Church Street, Lynchburg VA 24504. Include the name of the position for which you are applying. If you have a driving record less than 30 days old you can upload as an attachment to your application.

- Agree to provide record within 2 weeks of application date
- Do not agree (I understand I will no longer be considered for this position if I disagree.)
- Not applicable (I have not had an Out-of-State Driver's License during the past 3 years.
06
Please provide your driver's license number so that your driving record can be obtained.
07
DMV Release Notice: This position requires a valid driver's license and acceptable driving history. I hereby certify that I have read and understand the DMV Record Release Notice and give the City permission to obtain my driving record.

- Yes
- No