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

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Acting in the absence of the Family Services Supervisor and providing positive leadership and support to the team
• Assisting in training newly hired Family Services Workers
• Conducting interviews to assess specific needs of individuals or family units
• Managing complex cases and supervising cases involving in-depth intervention
• Conducting home visits and on-site investigations
• Providing case management to prevent or coordinate foster care placements
• Formulating service plans, goals, and strategies for intensive cases
• Identifying resources, making referrals, and counseling clients
• Coordinating intensive services provided by other agencies
• Collaborating with courts, Comprehensive Services Act (CSA) Office, and community agencies to ensure the safety and proper placement of foster care children
• Preparing, executing, and monitoring court orders regarding service plans
• Assisting in legal document preparation, initiating legal action, and testifying in court
• Ensuring the safety and well-being of clients
• Implementing agency policies and procedures
• Participating in Family Partnership Meetings and referring families to the Family Assessment & Planning Team (FAPT)
• Educating the community on program services and engaging in community activities
• Representing the agency to other departments, Courts, and City personnel
• Assisting with other agency responsibilities such as CPS assignments

Key Duties:

• Essential personnel, required to work beyond scheduled hours, during inclement weather, and declared emergencies

Qualifications, Special Certifications, and Licenses:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Considerable knowledge in Social Services programs, human services field, agency administration, and individual/family assessments
• Skills in case management, consulting, interpersonal/oral/written communication, effective listening, policy formulation/interpretation
• Ability to think critically, exercise sound judgment, work with a diverse population, manage time effectively, and perform job responsibilities with minimal supervision

Minimum Training and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in social work (Master's degree preferred)
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a human services field with relevant coursework
• Two or more years of human services experience
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record

Preferred Qualifications:

• MSW and three (3) or more years of related experience in child welfare, child development, family systems, and policy application including court procedures
• Ability to maintain effective relationships at all levels, excellent communication, strong presentation skills, and bilingual ability in Spanish preferred
• May be required to work after normal business hours and during declared emergencies

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities, prohibits discrimination and harassment, and ensures a harassment-free environment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment.