Family Services Specialist
: Job Details :

We know you: you're flexible, adaptable, and well-organized; compassionate and understanding; assertive and able to make independent decisions. You're committed to the welfare of adults who need a voice and dedicated to their safety. And you know what? You might be exactly who we're looking for! 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. 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. You will collaborate with community partners for positive outcomes with service delivery for our adult population. Of course you will also perform other work as required. Here's What You Need: 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 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia) two years of relevant social work experience preferred; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. We prefer a worker with knowledge of adult services programs in public social services in Virginia. A master's degree in social work is also preferred. You will also need: Excellent oral and written communication skills to include the ability to interact with a culturally diverse population Ability to consistently demonstrate excellent customer service skills Ability to build relationships and foster a sense of team both inside the agency and externally The ability to be an Independent, creative, critical thinker with good judgment for making decisions Strong computer skills and adaptability to using electronic devices while in the community to document your work in various databases to include Peer Place and e-Scribers Ability to deal effectively with conflict; assertiveness and confidence when being challenged Ability to take initiative and demonstrate a strong sense of accountability, to consistently deliver on commitments To demonstrate trauma-informed behavior in all areas of case practice Chesterfield County offers an attractive benefits package and incentives for candidates with a master's degree in social work and bilingual (Spanish & ASL) abilities. This position is a 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. 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, FBI criminal background check, CPS registry check and education/degree verification required. This position is considered Critical Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug testing and alcohol testing. The use of medical marijuana for this position is prohibited. Did you know that working for a local government provides credit towards the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)? Real Talk We'll be honest--this is intense. You may have contact with vulnerable adults living in bad situations and you will experience a range of powerful emotions. It's a stressful job with critical outcomes. So, you must be committed to your customer - the adults who need your voice. Your time won't be your own if you're good at what you do. You must drop your plans to ensure someone's safety whenever you're called. But you have the power to create positive change and have a direct impact on the lives of others that could last a lifetime. When you realize that you've had such a profound effect, you'll be eager to handle your next case. Being a Senior Family Services Specialist isn't for everyone. If you are committed to making a real difference in the lives of others and are looking for a career rather than a job, we want you on our team. Monday - Friday; 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Social Services