Family Support Worker

Family Support Worker (Family Services Specialist II)

Department of Social Services

12 Months, Full-Time

Non-exempt, Pay Grade 31

VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

***THE LISTING ON THE ALBEMARLE COUNTY WEBSITE IS FOR ADVERTISING PURPOSES ONLY. APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH THE VA STATE WEBSITE FOUND HERE:

https://evqk.fa.us8.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/2243

Essential Functions:

• Recruits, engages and provides voluntary services to families through school and other referral sources;
• Assesses cognitive, social/emotional, and behavioral functioning of children and families; develops case plans in partnership with families based on identified needs to strengthen families;
• Advocates for families in the educational process; acts as a liaison between school and DSS for at-risk youth by promoting academic success, community engagement, and social/emotional well-being in the school and home setting;
• Delivers specialized and appropriate trauma-informed and family-centered services designed to ensure child safety, well-being, and permanency;
• Participates in the identification of social problems and advocates for and collaborates in the development of needed resources within multiple systems inclusive of schools, DSS, families, and community; assists and supports families in their use of agency, school, and other resources;
• Coordinates with county schools, other agencies, and multi-disciplinary and interagency teams to provide early intervention and Family Support case management;
• Plans, promotes, and provides family engagement processes and activities inclusive of school and community events;
• Maintains professional confidential case records according to state and federal law and policy; provides accurate and timely updated entries into the required information systems; interprets agency programs and policies to other agencies and the community; attends and participates in related departmental and school meetings and training;
• Promotes cultural understanding and competency and an organizational climate of equity and inclusion; provides a high level of service to all internal and external customers;
• Assists mandated child welfare programs when needed;
• Performs related tasks as required.

Competency: Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of social work principles and practices; individual and group behavior; social-emotional and economic challenges of an at-risk population; child development; positive parenting practices; community resources;
• Skills in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with internal and external customers;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively;
• Ability to accept the rights, responsibilities, and differences of others, establish effective working relationships with families, co-workers, community agencies and other professionals, school staff, and the general public;
• Ability to plan, prioritize and manage workload, prepare reports, maintain confidential case records, and use a computer and related software;
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply laws, policies, and regulations affecting practice with children and families;
• Ability to assess needs of children and families to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors to achieve self-sufficiency.

Required Education and Experience:

• Workers in this position are required to drive and they must meet the eligibility requirements of the County’s safe driver policy. Workers must be willing to travel occasionally overnight and may be required to assist in managing emergency shelters for the public. The candidate may be subject to criminal history and central registry background checks.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications/Certifications:

• Possession of a MSW or related Master’s degree and licensure.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Administers work to the public, often in families' homes, which may be in remote rural areas, and in a school setting;
• Frequent walking and standing are required to maintain contacts with families and coordination with other public and private agencies;
• Must be able to assist physically dependent individuals;
• Must be willing to work flexible hours based on the needs of families, schools, and the department.

Remote Work:

This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule that is in compliance with the County’s Remote Work Policy and meets the operational and service needs for the position. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Salary Range:

The hiring range for this position is $29.13 - $32.20 per hour (approx. $60,599 - $66,977 per year.) Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA non-exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Position open until Friday, April 5.

Virginia Values Veterans:

Albemarle County is a Certified V3 organization.

EOE/EEO:

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.