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Respect. Equity. Accountability. Diversity…YOU!!!

This is an EXCITING time to Join the City of Richmond! We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. As we continue to make strides towards becoming the employer of choice, we are thrilled about the below employee benefit enhancements:

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

The City of Richmond Department of Social Services is seeking a highly qualified individual for the position of Family Services Specialist III within the Child and Family Services division. This position is responsible for performing individual and family needs assessments, formulating plan development and implementation, providing resource referrals, and client advocacy.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Acting in the absence of the Family Services Supervisor and demonstrating positive leadership and support to the team
Assisting in the training of newly hired Family Services Workers
Interviewing individuals and/or family units to assess specific needs
Managing more difficult/complex cases and supervising cases involving in-depth intervention
Conducting home visits and on-site investigations
Providing case management for children and families in order to prevent and/or coordinate foster care placements
Making phone calls/holding meetings to evaluate case situations/circumstances
Formulating service plans, goals, and strategies for intensive cases
Identifying appropriate resources and making referrals
Counseling clients and making referrals
Coordinating intensive services provided by other agencies, such as individual or family counseling/therapy programs, educational programs, medical care, mental health care, dental care, foster care placement, legal counsel, probation monitoring, substance abuse treatment programs, emergency assistance, and law enforcement intervention
Working with the courts, Comprehensive Services Act (CSA) Office, and community agencies to ensure that foster care children are safe, appropriately placed, and have access to resources to become productive citizens
Preparing, reviewing, explaining, interpreting, executing, and monitoring court orders regarding service plans
Assisting in the preparation of legal documents, initiating legal action, and testifying in court
Ensuring the safety and well-being of clients
Identifying, analyzing, and implementing agency policies and procedures
Participating in Family Partnership Meetings
Referring families to the Family Assessment & Planning Team (FAPT)
Educating the community on program services
Participating in community engagement activities
Representing the agency to other departments, courts, and city personnel
Assisting with other agency responsibilities as required, i.e., CPS assignments

City of Richmond Department of Social Services employees working in this position are considered essential personnel and may be required to work beyond scheduled hours, during inclement weather, and during declared emergencies.

Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge in social services programs, principles, and practices in the human services field, including knowledge of programs, socio-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 judgments, work with a diverse population, perform job responsibilities effectively with minimal supervision, and prioritize and manage time effectively

Minimum Training and Experience:

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)
Two or more years of experience in the assigned program area and completion of required training programs or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

Licensing, Certifications, and/or Other Special Requirements:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and three (3) or more years of related experience in the areas of child welfare, child development, family systems, application of policy and processes including court
Ability to form and maintain effective and cordial working relationships at all levels
Excellent communication skills and strong presentation skills
Bilingual ability in Spanish preferred
May be required to work after normal business hours
City of Richmond Social Services employees may be required to work during declared emergencies
A Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license is also preferred