Family Services Specialist - Assessment and Resources (Chesterfield-Colonial Heights)

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Family Services Specialist - Assessment and Resource Team | Job Details tab | Career Pages

Customer Experience and Community Engagement: It's Our Business, It's Our Passion.

The Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services is hiring for a strong team member to serve as a Family Services Specialist I for our Assessment and Resources Team(ART). This team is responsible for working collaboratively with community partners to respond to citizens in crisis by providing resources/services to address barriers to self-sufficiency.

What You Do and How You Do It:

You will be responsible for interviewing and assessing the immediate and long-term needs of Chesterfield County and Colonial Heights residents who contact the agency requesting emergency services. You will use creative critical-thinking skills to help adults and families resolve their immediate needs while also connecting them to long-term resources within the Department of Social Services and organizations within the community. To do this, you will provide financial assistance for rent/mortgage, utility bills, and prescriptions, as appropriate; you will work with internal and community partners to make referrals; and you will contribute to team discussions to identify the evolving needs of our community so that we can continue to serve our citizens best. 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 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia). Experience in assigned program area and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable. 

The Ideal Candidate Will Have: 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to interact with a diverse population. 
• Skill in interviewing and assessing individual and family strengths and needs
• Skill in critical thinking and problem-solving in emergencies
• Knowledge of programs available through the Department of Social Services, as well as community resources
• Knowledge of social work principles and practices
• Skill in case management and time management
• Strong customer service skills
• Ability to show adaptability and flexibility based on the needs of the team, division, and agency
• Strong computer skills
  
   

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 and education/degree verification required.

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.

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, Masters in Human Services, LCSW, Child Welfare Stipend participants, completion of COVLC new worker training or are Bilingual (Spanish & ASL).

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

Realistic Job Preview

We'll be honest-there's a lot to be done and it's busy. You will need to be prepared to assess new customer needs daily while keeping up with other inquiries and requests from the community.