Family Services Specialist III - Permanency / Independent Living

FSS III - Permanency / Independent Living

JOB SUMMARY: 

This the specialist level in the class series for Family Services. 
Employees specialize in program areas and assume more complex duties such as: 
interviewing/investigating in cases involving suspected child/adult abuse/neglect, out-ofhome placements, guardianships, emergency protective orders, and adoptions; testifying in 
legal proceedings; and placing children in foster/adoptive homes. Employees have contacts 
with others and influence outcomes by participating on task forces, strategic planning,
mentoring, teaching, and conducting outreach. Programs areas generally include Adult/Adult 
Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, and Adoptions. Additionally, in 
some agencies, positions may be partly dedicated to Child Care and Employment Services in 
addition to other program areas. 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.

Under limited supervision, facilitates, coordinates, and supervises the counseling and case management aspect in multiple social work service programs administered by the City Social Services Department including protective services for adults and children, foster care and/or quality performance initiatives. May coordinate specific services provided by the department with overall responsibility for the daily activities and outcomes.

Tasks include screening clients and explaining multiple social work service programs, determining and pursuing necessary action to meet client needs, counseling clients, and providing or assisting in obtaining access to necessary human services assistance, assessing and making recommendations for improved work quality. Maintains various records and case files. Prepares required reports. Manage the CPS/APS hotline to receive complaints and enter them into the OASIS system and PeerPlace. Complete referrals on behalf of the clients to outside community resources for assistance. Position requires CPS/APS on-call responsibilities and disaster shelter duties in the event of local emergencies.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.  Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Case manages and provides support to older youth and teens in foster care
• Facilitates groups
• Conducts intensive assessments to include behavioral health and independent living skills 
• Must be flexible to meet the hours and needs of the children in care and their families

   

Supervises assigned subordinate staff members. Instructs, assigns and reviews work. Plans the work of others. Maintains standards through the effective coordination of activities. Provides guidance and assistance in completing daily tasks. Completes performance appraisals for subordinate personnel. Provides input for developmental needs of staff members. Coordinates Child Welfare and Adult Services programs. Establishes and updates procedures. Monitors program and outcomes. Provides recommendations for improvements and changes to the program to meet program goals. Acts as the lead worker in special program areas including group work services and community planning and organization. Provides input and recommendations and participates in planning and evaluating department programs. Interacts with and performs tasks to assist clients. Interviews and counsels clients. Performs intake and crisis intervention for clients. Conducts investigations and prepares evaluations. Meets with clients to prepare evaluations. Counsels clients and designs service plans including participation in benefits programs, group and individual counseling sessions, medical or psychiatric treatment and related needs. Coordinates clients’ access to services. Maintains contact with clients and their families. Conducts home visits as needed. Assists clients with services to facilitate stability including counseling, transportation, health services and program referral. Prepares court reports and service plans for court. Testifies in court for matters of support, disposition hearings and criminal pr