The City of Richmond Department of Social Services’ Adoption Unit is seeking a highly qualified individual for the position of Family Services Worker to provide adoption services for children through the City Department of Social Services. The Adoption Unit strives to improve permanency planning and thus reduce the number of children in the Foster Care system and provides these services while fulfilling State and Federal mandates.

Key Responsibilities:

• Determine eligibility for adoption subsidy maintenance and services.
• Provide supportive counseling to adoptive children and families.
• Provide case management.
• Make appropriate referrals for services to prevent adoption disruption in accordance with state and legal policies.
• Monitor, review, and approve financial transactions within adoption subsidy policy guidelines.
• Maintain data in computer system for administrative reporting purposes.

Note: City of Richmond Department of Social Services employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to work during inclement weather and times of declared emergencies.

Qualifications, Special Certifications, and Licenses:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge in principles and practices in the human services field.
• Knowledge of programs, social-economic trends, and behaviors that impact the delivery of human services.
• Familiarity with State and local policies and procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Demonstrated skills in advocating and counseling.
• Administering individual and family assessments and interpreting results.
• Interviewing.
• Case management, including reporting and documenting.
• Strong oral/written communication skills.
• Ability to understand and interpret policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
• Critical thinking, time management, and sound judgment skills.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Proficiency in analyzing, assessing, and evaluating data.

Minimum Training and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in social work; Master's degree in social work is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in a human services field is also acceptable if it includes at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in the development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures, or therapeutic techniques, such as:
  • (a) social work;
  • (b) psychology;
  • (c) sociology;
  • (d) guidance and/or counseling; or
  • (e) child development.
• One year of related experience.
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

Preferred Training and Experience:

• Strong case management skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of community resources available to clients.
• Strong collaborative skills.
• Ability to interpret policy.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.
• Prior experience in adoptions search or recruitment process.
• Collaborative experience with both public and non-profit adoption agencies.
• Experience with State adoption policies and processes.
• Knowledge of the FAPT process and local/regional resources for children and families.