Family Services Specialist II (Foster Care Unit )- Frederick County, Virginia

Frederick County Department of Social Services is one of the 120  locally-administered, state-supervised agencies who work in partnership with the Virginia Department of Social Services to help those in our community most in need.  Our mission is to deliver client centered, quality human services that help the citizens of Frederick County achieve safety, independence, and overall well-being. Frederick County is located at the tip of the Northern Shenandoah Valley and is in the northernmost corner of the state of Virginia.  The county sits at the mouth of the Shenandoah Valley with the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west.  Frederick County staff are guided by its values which are to be people focused, committed to excellence and to respect differences so that the agency can continue to provide exceptional and innovative social services to its citizens.The Family Services Specialist II is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist III by the latter's functioning at the advanced level, and becoming more specialized in program areas and assuming more complex duties (such as: interviewing/investigating in cases involving suspected child/adult abuse/neglect, out-of-home placements, guardianships, emergency protective orders, and adoptions). 

Job DescriptionThis position functions as a worker in the Foster Care within the Family Services Unit, which provides direct services to foster care youth and their families by way of fostering and sustaining the social, health, economic, behavioral, and emotional functioning of individuals and families services by the Local Department of Social Services.  Staff develops treatment plans which identify needs, services to meet the needs, and the means by which services will be provided either within the agency or through referral to other community resources; represents the agency in both civil and criminal court proceedings which involves interpreting laws, filing petitions, preparing court records, testifying before the court, preparing witnesses for examination, and compiling evidence; provides direct intervention and service delivery for difficult, complex social work cases, and coordinates casework; conducts field visits to residential facilities, consults with therapists and residential staff and participates in the staffing and treatment team meetings; prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services; participates in Family Team Meetings.Minimum 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).

Working knowledge of social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; and social, economic, and health problems.

Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.

Demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Demonstrated ability to assess clients’ needs and formulate a plan of action.  Refer clients to resources as appropriate.

• Must be willing to work outside normal working hours, including being on-call for emergencies.
• Valid driver’s license or can obtain one prior to hiring.

Preferred QualificationsExperience in assigned program area (i.e. Foster Care/Adoption) and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training or experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.Special Requirements

All applicants are subject to DMV/driving record check, pre-employment drug screen, Central Registry (CPS) check and/or criminal history search.

The 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.

Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications are accepted on-line only through this posting. Faxed, mailed, resume, e-mailed or hand delivered applications will not be considered. This position is open until filled recruitment; and will be opened for a minimum of 5 business days.  This website will provide a confirmation receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application/resume. 

Please refer to your recruitment account for the status of your application and this position. 

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED ONLY THROUGH THIS ONLINE  JOB SITE.

   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 citizen have access to best services and benefits available to them.