Family Services Specialist III - Reunification & Permanency

About the Role

The City of Richmond Department of Social Services is seeking a professional candidate for the position of Family Services Specialist III within the Reunification & Permanency unit. Incumbents for this position are considered subject matter experts, managing the most complex and difficult cases requiring in-depth intervention.

Responsibilities

• Manages and/or provides assistance to staff that carries a caseload regarding Abuse & Neglect, CHINS, Delinquent, and Status Offenders with behavior related challenges.
• Provides assistance to staff to transition youth with disabilities from Foster Care to Emancipation.
• Formulates service plans on intensive cases to identify service needs and priorities and establishes and implements appropriate treatment plans based on the assessment.
• Provides intensive crisis intervention: home visits; advocate for children/families, therapist, schools, etc. for the purposes of implementing needed services.
• Provides guidance regarding resources and services available from the community.
• Collaborates with Schools, Courts, Juvenile Justice & Community Services Board to ensure the well-being of clients.
• Inputs, retrieves and analyzes data; reviews reports to ensure that data is current and accurate; generates reports.
• Serves as a lead/senior worker in the unit.
• Supervises Interns assigned to the agency.
• Responds to public inquiries and referrals on Social Service issues and identifies appropriate program services.
• Represents the RDSS to other agencies, departments, court and City personnel.
• Participates in community engagement and advocacy programs and provides Social Services' information to other professionals and citizens.
• Participates in Mass Care Center operations during incidents or declared emergencies as needed for the duration of the event.
• City of Richmond Department of Social Services employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to work during times of declared emergencies.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge in Social Services programs; principles and practices in the human services field, including knowledge of programs, social-economic trends, and behaviors that impact the delivery of human services; agency administration policy and administering individual and family assessments and interpreting results.
• Demonstrated skills in case management; consulting and advising; interpersonal communication; oral/written communication; effective listening; and formulating, interpreting, or implementing policies or operating procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to think critically; make sound judgement; work with diverse population; perform job responsibilities effectively with minimal supervision; prioritize and manage time effectively.

Minimum Training and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in social work; Master's degree in social work is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree in a human services field is also acceptable if it includes at least 30 semester hours, or 45 quarter hours, in the development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures, or therapeutic techniques, such as: (a) social work; (b) psychology; (c) sociology; (d) guidance and/or counseling; or (e) child development.
• Two or more years of human services experience is required.

Licensing, Certifications, and/or Other Special Requirements:

• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

Preferred Training and Experience:

• BSW or MSW degree preferred.
• Direct experience with Foster Care, Adult and Court Services preferred.
• Broad knowledge of Foster Care and Adult Services.
• Working knowledge of DSM5.
• The ability to form and maintain effective and cordial working relationships at all levels.
• Excellent communication skills and strong presentation skills.
• Ability to speak Spanish preferred.

Benefits

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program