Senior Family Services Specialist

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Customer Experience: It's Our Business, It's Our Passion.

The Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services is hiring a Senior Family Services Specialist - Adult Services to conduct investigations of suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults over the age of 60 and disabled persons over the age of 18 in Chesterfield and Colonial Heights and to support the customer's right to make choices and assist in maximizing independence. The position carries a caseload of Adult Services and Adult Protective Services cases. The Family Services Specialist III is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist IV class by the latter's functioning as a lead worker, or an expert resource specialist. 

What You Do and How You Do It:

You will investigate allegations by asking vulnerable adults personal or difficult questions related to their safety and/or risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. You will conduct assessments, long­ term care screenings for adults and children, monitor companion services and guardian reports and develop service plans. It doesn't stop there. You will make appropriate referrals or provide needed guidance to facilitate solutions to specific problems. You will engage and empower adults to identify their strengths and skills in addition to problem-solving ways to make positive changes. You will learn local, state, and federal regulations, and stay up to date as things change. You'll help customers connect with community resources to receive the services they need.  You will also educate the public on the needs and concerns of this adult population. Perform other work as required.

Here's What You Need:

• Minimum of a 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 22VAC of the Administrative Code of Virginia) required.

• Considerable experience in assigned program area/human services programs and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities required.

• Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license preferred.

• Knowledge of adult services programs in public social services in Virginia preferred.

We're Looking for Ideal Candidates Who Have:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills to include the ability to interact with a culturally diverse population

• Consistently excellent customer service skills

• Ability to build relationships and foster a sense of team both inside the agency and externally

• Independent, creative, critical thinker with good judgment for making decisions

• Strong computer and typing proficiency

• Ability to deal effectively with conflict; assertiveness and confidence when being challenged

Current valid driver's license and good driving record required. Based on the Virginia DMV point system, record must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months. Out of state driving records must be obtained by applicant and presented at time of interview. Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within thirty days of interview date. Pre-employment drug testing and FBI criminal background check are required. A Chesterfield County application is also required and must be submitted online by the deadline.

This position is considered Critical Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing. The use of medical marijuana for this position is prohibited.

This position is part of an Emergency Shelter Team during times of natural disaster, reporting to shelter duty as required.

Chesterfield County offers an attractive benefits package. As a local Department of Social Services, Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services may offer incentives, approved through the Virginia Department of Social Services, to candidates hired who possess additional relevant training, skills and experience. Those incentives apply to individuals who possess: a master's or bachelor's degree in social work, master's degree in human services, LCSW designation, Child Welfare Stipend participants, completion of COVLC new worker training or those who are bilingual (English/Spanish or American Sign Language).

This position is part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression opportunities and salary incentives, as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications, and experience.
 

Did you know that working for a local government provides credit towards the Public Student LoanForgiveness Program (PSLF)?

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Shift

Monday - Friday; 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.