The Department of Human Services is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Family Services Specialist. Our department works collaboratively towards building just, equitable, antiracist communities. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing, the economy, child welfare) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential. We believe in the dignity, resilience, and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes equitable access and opportunity. Systemic and institutional inequities, especially in matters of race, remain significant barriers for people and communities working to reach their full potential. We choose to challenge and dismantle systems that perpetuate inequities which includes addressing and redressing the historic and current work of the Department of Human Services.

The Family Services Specialist position is part of Community Attention Foster Families, a program of the Department of Human Services, and is responsible for professional work in the support and assistance of agency clients with personal, social, health, and economic needs. This position will be assigned to conduct in-depth assessments of kinship foster families to identify strengths and potential needs. The role will also provide case management to families and children in foster care and may include Parent Advocacy, helping families build relationships and develop strategies for long-term success; does related work as required. Work is performed under the regular supervision of a Human Services Program Supervisor.

The preferred hiring range for this position is between $26.81 - $32.95 an hour ($55,764.80 - $68,536.00 Annually). Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This is a full-time, non-exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities.

• For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits.
• The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS, however the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. For questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.

• Assesses needs of clients and families which may include but is not limited to
  • Investigates referrals
  • Interviews clients and family members as needed,
  • Takes applications for services,
  • Determines service eligibility,
  • Works with and counsels clients,
  • Provides protection and care to abandoned, abused or neglected children and adults
  • Makes appropriate referrals for services,
• Prepares social studies in the formulation, delivery and assessment of service plans, and prepares related documentation.
• Makes field visits to client residences and assesses/monitor situation and/or progress.
• Assists and supports clients in problem-solving and in their use of agency and other resources.
• Makes referrals to clients, employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, etc.
• May identify homes suitable for adoption.
• Conducts group information/education sessions for clients.
• Performs work with specific ancillary agencies such as juvenile and domestic relations courts.
• Assists in the evaluation of programs and services rendered to clients.
• Testifies in court proceedings and makes recommendations to petitions to legal authorities.
• Interprets agency programs to other agencies, community groups and associations.
• Researches and develops community resources, gives presentations.
• Maintains case records and prepares statistical and other reports and documentation.
• Processes financial documentation related to client services.
• May diagnose (based on a recognized manual of mental and emotional disorders or recognized system of problem definition) and provide psychotherapy and counseling (for mental disorders, substance abuse, marriage and family dysfunction, and problems caused by social and psychological stress or health impairment) if licensed.
• Will be included in on-call rotation and expected to respond within agency time-frame.
• May assist in the training of other staff, volunteers and student interns..
• May be asked to work during emergency operations as outlined in department continuity of operations plan.
• Performs related tasks as required.

• Minimally requires a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field. (Or minimally, a Bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two (2) years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area as mandated in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services may be substituted as equivalent.)
• Requires general knowledge of: social, economic and health problems; individual and group behavior; child, adolescent, adult and geriatric behavior and the practices and techniques of interviewing, counseling and investigating problems; principles and practices of child welfare, substance abuse, family service, employment services, public assistance and/or protective service work.

• Master's Degree in Social Work or related field preferred.
• Preference for experience in foster care with a public agency during the past five (5) years.

• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia or qualified and able to obtain a valid VA driver's license prior to beginning the position. (To view our driving eligibility requirements, visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/faq.aspx?qid=166)
• Possession of all requirements for entry level as specified by the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Work occurs in an office setting, and may also occur in client homes, meetings and collaboration in other community agencies, and involvement in court hearings. Frequent contacts with individuals, families, extended families and other stakeholders, other professionals and paraprofessionals requiring skill and tact in dealing with sensitive, controversial and confidential material. Work may involve threatening and potentially dangerous settings and disturbing circumstances. May be required to be on-call and respond within certain timeframes.

A pre-hire background check will be conducted on all candidates who are selected for employment with the Department of Human Services. It will include a criminal record check, child abuse/neglect registry search, reference check, and pre-employment non-DOT drug screen. Additionally, a driving record check and education verification may be conducted if applicable.