Family Services Specialist I

Are you driven by purpose and energized by helping adults live safer, more stable lives? Join our team as an Adult Services/Adult Protective Services Specialist, where every day brings meaningful connections and real impact. In this role, you’ll be the guiding force behind: •Uncovering the truth through thorough, compassionate investigations of valid APS referrals. •Supporting adults on their journey by providing ongoing, policy-based case management for both Adult Services and APS cases. •Building bridges through clear, effective communication with community members, agency staff, and partner professionals. • Shaping stronger communities as you assess local needs, lead trainings, and help develop vital resources. • Keeping things on track by coordinating, administering, and completing all required LTSS/ALF UAI documentation with accuracy and care. If you’re a thoughtful communicator, a natural problem-solver, and someone who thrives in a role where people matter, we’d love to meet you **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** · 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; · Coordinates with other agencies and participates in multi-disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers; · 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. **Knowledge-** 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.