About this role
- Follow case management requirements established by the Family Services Supervisor.
- Provide referrals for community-based services.
- Place and monitor children in foster homes.
- Participate and testify in legal proceedings.
- Maintain communication with clients and professionals.
- Complete monthly visits with foster children.
- Maintain case records.
- Participate in treatment team, family engagement, and case planning meetings.
- Ensure independent living skills development is provided to age-appropriate foster children.
- Recruit adoption families for waiting foster children with the goal of adoption.
- Prepare foster children for adoption; Complete the adoption process.
- Complete financial paperwork to ensure accurate and timely payments.
- Perform other assigned duties.
- Assists in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required.
Knowledge of: Considerate knowledge of social work principles and practice; individual and group behavior; independent living skills; social, economic, health, and family relations problems; and laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; investigating and interviewing techniques; legal procedures as related to program area; and social, economic, and health problems.
Skills in: operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.
Demonstrated ability to: Plan, organize, and manage own work activities including service delivery, prepare technical reports and correspondence, and keep records and related activities; understand and interpret laws, policies, and regulations; effectively communicate ideas 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 ensure the delivery of appropriate services; make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client’s emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, associates, other social service agencies and the general public; work as a part of a team; work with teenagers and young adults in the development of independent living skill areas; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification):
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field and a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).
Considerable experience in the assigned program area and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Possession of a BSW or MSW degree.
Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license is desirable.
Possession of a valid driver’s license in order to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Driving records must meet agency requirements.
Must pass the agency’s background checks.
Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.
This 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 are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screening.
Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
APPLICATIONS AND REFERENCES FOR THIS POSITION MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY THROUGH THIS WEBSITE. A RESUME MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION. MAILED, EMAILED, FAXED, OR HAND-DELIVERED APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information provided. Applications/Resumes must include complete work history.
Other facts
About Virginia Department of Social Services
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 citizens have access to the best services and benefits available to them.
Together, we work each day to serve, empower, and create opportunities for brighter futures.
What you'll do
- The Family Services Specialist III is responsible for case management in the foster care system, including assessments, referrals, and monitoring children in foster homes. They also participate in legal proceedings and ensure the development of independent living skills for foster children.
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