Youth Services Program Specialist #W0750

Title: Youth Services Program Specialist #W0750

State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist II

Hiring Range: $68,000 - $78,000/yr.

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: DSS HOME OFFICE

Agency Website: www.dss.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

At the Virginia Department of Social Services, we put people at the center of everything we do. We believe that every Virginian can live a life of dignity and that all voices, ideas and experiences contribute greatly to our pursuit of excellence. Inspired by continuous improvement, we commit ourselves to listening, learning and cultivating environments of trust, respect and positive engagement. Together, we are mission-driven, eager to achieve, and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve.

We design and deliver high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being. We are a $2 billion agency – one of the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia – partnering with 120 local departments of social services and 31 community action agencies, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children, adults, and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside 1,650 (state) and 12,200 (local) human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens have easy access to the services and benefits available to them.

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDSS offers excellent health and life insurance benefits, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short and Long Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching – Employee Benefits.

The Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Family Services is currently seeking a Youth Services Program Specialist. This position is responsible for providing programmatic consultation and technical assistance to local departments of social services (LDSS) on independent living services in alignment with the federal requirements of the Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood. This includes providing oversight and guidance to ensure appropriate use of Chafee funds, reviewing and monitoring LDSS spending, and ensuring fiscal accountability through regular reporting and documentation.

The specialist is also responsible for managing Virginia’s compliance with the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD), including data collection, quality assurance, and timely submission of federally required reports. This involves working closely with LDSS to improve data accuracy, analyze trends, and use findings to inform program improvements and policy recommendations.

In addition, the specialist supports the development and dissemination of tools, training, and program guidance to strengthen LDSS understanding of independent living services, youth engagement strategies, and transition planning.

Occasional in-state travel is required to provide in-person program related trainings and to participate in statewide weekend youth conferences and Youth Advisory Board meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Background in social work, human services, public administration, or related field.
• Experience working in a Local Department of Social Services.
• Candidate must have working knowledge of the Chafee Program and be familiar with related federal and state foster care requirements, including NYTD.

The role requires strong skills in grant management, data analysis, written and verbal communication, stakeholder collaboration, and the ability to translate guidance into practical practice for frontline staff. The specialist collaborates with LDSS, community partners, and youth to ensure program effectiveness and youth-centered practices, while also maintaining up-to-date materials on public and inter-agency websites.

Candidates should have the ability to analyze and track program data using Excel and demonstrate experience accessing and navigating Virginia's child welfare data system, Oasis.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication and collaboration skills with a diverse range of stakeholders, to include youth, professionals, and community partners.

Proficiency in plain language writing and youth centered communication for developing accessible resources. Familiarity with data tools such as SafeMeasures and NYTD data snapshots.

Additional Considerations

• Experience with youth engagement particularly involving individuals with lived experience in foster care.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.

VDSS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Please be advised that this position may be approved to work onsite for two days per week and work remotely for three days per week.

Selected candidate may be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional considerations as stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date.

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

VDSS does not provide sponsorship.

VDSS is an official certified state agency that values the service and experience of our Veterans. As such, Veterans are encouraged to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni also are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants, if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

If you have been affected by Policy 1.30 Layoff as a state employee and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Card (Blue Card), you must submit this document through the “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site when you apply.

Contact Information

• Name: VDSS - Division of Human Resources
• Phone: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov
• Email: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.