The City of Richmond Department of Social Services is seeking highly qualified candidates to fill the vacancies of Family Services Worker in the Reunification and Permanency Unit. The incumbent is 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 implementation of current social work best practice models.
• Collaborating with the Courts, Children's Services Act (CSA) Office, and community agencies to ensure that children in foster care are safe, appropriately placed, and have access to necessary resources.
• 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.
• Other related duties as assigned.

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.
• Oral/written communication.
• Conducting forensic interviews.
• Ability to understand and interpret policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
• Critical thinking.
• Time management.
• Sound judgment.
• 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:

• Two (2) or more years of Social Work experience working with families.
• Advanced computer, written, and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of best practices and policies used throughout the reunification and permanency process.
• Working knowledge of the Commonwealth of Virginia court system.
• Proficient crisis intervention techniques and case management skills.
• Ability to effectively develop relationships among a diverse, socio-economic class of clients.
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking Spanish.