The City of Richmond Department of Social Services’ Adoption Unit is actively seeking a highly qualified individual for the role of Family Services Worker. This position aims to provide adoption services for children within the City Department of Social Services. The Adoption Unit is dedicated to enhancing permanency planning, thereby reducing the number of children in the Foster Care system. The unit operates in adherence to State and Federal mandates.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Determining eligibility for adoption subsidy maintenance and services
• Providing supportive counseling to adoptive children and families
• Conducting case management
• Making appropriate referrals for services to prevent adoption disruption in accordance with state and legal policies
• Monitoring, reviewing, and approving financial transactions within adoption subsidy policy guidelines
• Maintaining data in the computer system for administrative reporting purposes

Important 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 Required:

• Considerable knowledge in principles and practices within the human services field
• Understanding of programs, socio-economic trends, and behaviors impacting human services delivery
• Familiarity with State and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations
• Demonstrated skills in advocating, counseling, administering assessments, conducting interviews, case management, and effective oral/written communication
• Ability to understand and interpret policies, regulations, laws, critical thinking, time management, sound judgment, problem-solving, and data analysis

Minimum Training and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in social work (Master's degree in social work is preferred)
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a human services field with relevant coursework
• At least one year of related experience

Licensing, Certifications, and/or Other Special Requirements:

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

Preferred Training and Experience:

• Strong case management, oral and written communication, and collaborative skills
• Knowledge of available community resources
• Experience in adoptions search or recruitment process
• Collaboration with public and non-profit adoption agencies
• Familiarity with State adoption policies and processes
• Understanding of the FAPT process and local/regional resources for children and families

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities, prohibits discrimination, and ensures a harassment-free environment without regard to various characteristics including 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.