Family Services Specialist - Investigations at City of Lynchburg, VA

About the Department

The Department of Human Services is seeking a Family Services Specialist for Investigation. Performs difficult professional work specializing in the investigation of child abuse and neglect referrals; provides specialized and difficult casework services which include support and assistance of agency clients with personal, social, health and economic needs, by performing the following duties.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.

  • Receives referrals of cases of suspected child abuse and neglect;
  • Determines the urgency and appropriateness of referrals;
  • Investigates referrals, interviews family members (and others), makes assessment of the strengths and needs to determine and provide the most appropriate services to abused and/or neglected children, within State mandated regulations and time frames;
  • Exercises emergency removal authority;
  • Interviews clients, takes applications for services and assesses client needs; determines service eligibility, works with and counsels clients, conducts home studies, and prepares related documentation and case records;
  • Makes field visits to client residences and assesses situation and/or progress;
  • Assists and supports clients in problem solving and in the use of agency and other resources;
  • Performs work with ancillary agencies such as juvenile and domestic relations courts and other social services agencies;
  • Testifies in court proceedings and makes recommendations and petitions to legal authorities;
  • Interprets policies, regulations and laws;
  • Maintains case records and prepares reports and documentation;
  • Regular attendance is required.
  
 ADDITIONAL DUTIES
 • Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.
  • When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery.
  • Assists in the evaluation of programs and services rendered to clients;
  • Makes referrals to clinics, employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, and other appropriate resources;
  • Processes financial documentation related to client services;
  • Interprets agency programs to other agencies, community groups and associations;
  • Researches and develops community resources, gives presentations;
  • Performs emergency shelter duty as appropriate.
  
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience Required:
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university in Human Services field (social work, sociology, psychology, criminal justice, political science or child development) required. Master's degree preferred (at least 48 units in an accredited post-graduate program, including a field practicum component and eligibility for licensure). Considerable experience (2+ years) in social work and/or related human service field required.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
  
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
 
Advanced interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution and negotiation skills, for working with a variety of individuals, human service professionals, and other community agencies.

Other Qualifications

Must possess a valid driver's license and a driving record acceptable according to City criteria. View City's Driving Criteria. 

Must satisfactorily complete criminal background check, drug and alcohol screen and Child Protective Services Registry check.

Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment.  May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.