Family Services Worker III - Intake

Virginia Department of Social Services • Suffolk, VA

1d

About The Position

Under limited supervision, facilitates, coordinates, and leads the case management efforts in multiple social work service programs administered by the City Social Services Department including protective services for adults and children, foster care, prevention, intake, and/or quality performance initiatives. May coordinate specific services provided by the department with overall responsibility for the daily activities and outcomes. Tasks include providing direct service to clients, including leading complex cases, assessing, screening clients, preparing reports for and appearing in court, training, mentoring, maintaining records and reports, and, determining and pursuing necessary action to meet client needs. The Senior Family Services Specialist functions as the lead worker and provides support and coverage in the absence of the supervisor. Employees work within established policies, procedures and guidelines with a high degree of independence, seeking supervisory assistance only in unusually complicated and difficult cases / situations.

Requirements

• 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 (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).
• Considerable experience in assigned program area/human services programs and completion of required training programs.
• Work experience in a leadership role.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• EMPLOYEE MUST BE WILLING TO WORK AFTER-HOURS ON-CALL ON EVENINGS, NIGHTS, WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS AND DISASTER RELATED ASSIGNMENTS, INCLUDING EMERGENCY SHELTER DUTY, IN THE EVENT OF A NATURAL DISASTER OR EMERGENCY.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.
• 3-4 years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area.

Responsibilities

• Instructs, assigns and reviews work. Plans the work of others. Maintains standards through the effective coordination of activities. Provides guidance and assistance in completing daily tasks. Provides input for developmental needs of staff members.
• Coordinates Child Welfare and Adult Services programs. Establishes and updates procedures. Monitors program and outcomes. Provides recommendations for improvements and changes to the program to meet program goals.
• Acts as the lead worker in special program areas including community planning and organization.
• Serves on committees.
• Provides input and recommendations and participates in planning and evaluating department programs.
• Assesses clients for a variety of needs (physical, mental, emotional) and assists with obtaining appropriate services.
• Interacts with and performs tasks to assist clients. Conducts interviews and investigations and prepares related documentation. Partners with clients to draft and implement service plans including participation in benefits programs, group and individual counseling sessions, medical or psychiatric treatment and related needs.
• Coordinates clients’ access to services. Maintains contact with clients and their families. Conducts home visits and community visits. Assists clients with services to facilitate stability including counseling, transportation, health services and program referral.
• Participates in legal and court related activities. Prepares court reports and service plans for court. Testifies in court for matters of support, disposition hearings and criminal proceedings.
• Receives and responds to inquiries and provides information based on general knowledge of Social Service programs. Refers inquiries to appropriate personnel.
• Coordinates emergency services with other community agencies to assist clients affected by catastrophic property loss or homelessness.
• Completes the Universal Assessment Instrument and screens for residential and/or nursing home placement for clients.
• Contacts approved vendors to obtain services for clients in areas of housing, utilities, medical assistance, food and related services. Arranges payment through department and/or community service agencies.
• Conducts CPS and APS investigations. Determines status of Differential Response or validity of complaints.
• Interviews, approves, and supervises in-home n providers. Processes necessary documentation to ensure proper payment to service providers.
• Completes routine office tasks to support daily office operations. Composes and types correspondence and forms. Answers incoming calls, provides information, forwards calls or takes messages. Copies documents. Faxes information.
• Makes presentations to community and civic groups pertaining to multiple social work programs. Assists in various community service projects.
• Remains available for emergency after hour duties.
• Performs other related duties as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees