The City of Richmond Department of Social Services is actively seeking highly qualified candidates to fill the vacancies of Family Services Specialist II in the Reunification and Permanency Unit. In this role, the incumbent will be responsible for individual and family needs assessments, case plan development and implementation, resource referrals, and client advocacy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Developing service plans and providing case management for children and families.
- Determining eligibility and setting up service payments.
- Coordinating foster care and adoption placements.
- Working to promote reunification/permanency through the implementation of current social work best practice models.
- Collaborating with the Courts, Children's Services Act (CSA) Office, and community agencies to ensure the safety, appropriate placement, and access to necessary resources for children in foster care.
- Recording case file information electronically, ensuring accuracy in a timely manner.
- Engaging various family components by developing relationships with clients served.
- Responding to and managing on-call duties.
- Performing other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Considerable knowledge in principles and practices in the human services field, including programs, social-economic trends, and behaviors impacting service delivery. Familiarity with state and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
- Demonstrated skills in advocating and counseling, administering assessments, conducting interviews, case management, oral/written communication, and forensic interviews.
- Ability to interpret policies, procedures, regulations, and laws, think critically, manage time effectively, make sound judgments, problem-solve, and analyze, assess, and evaluate data.
- Bachelor's degree in a human services field (e.g., social work, psychology, sociology, guidance/counseling, child development, or criminal justice) and three years of related experience.
- Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.
- Two or more years of Social Work experience with families
- Advanced computer, written, and oral communication skills
- Knowledge of best practices and policies in the reunification and permanency process
- Working knowledge of the Commonwealth of Virginia court system
- Proficient in crisis intervention techniques and case management skills
- Ability to fluently read, write, and speak Spanish.