Family Services Supervisor - Child Protective Services at City of Lynchburg, VA

About the Department

Lynchburg Human Services is seeking a highly qualified and motivated professional to serve as Family Services Supervisor within the Child Protective Services (CPS) unit. This position provides advanced professional and administrative leadership to a team of Family Services Specialists and support staff who conduct investigations and family assessments related to child abuse and neglect.

The Supervisor ensures effective service delivery in alignment with local, state, and federal regulations, while fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement. The Supervisor utilizes data to monitor outcomes, promotes family engagement, and the consistent use of evidence-based and best practice models to support safety, permanency, and well-being.

Lynchburg Human Services is committed to strengthening families, protecting vulnerable individuals, and enhancing the well-being of our community through comprehensive social service programs. Our team values collaboration, equity, innovation, and accountability in service delivery.

Position Duties

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

• Plan, assign, supervise, and evaluate the work of Family Services staff; review case records, documentation, and reports; provide guidance and coaching, and participate in complex or high-risk cases.
• Use data and performance measures to monitor outcomes, identify trends, and implement strategies that improve service quality and child and family outcomes.
• Ensure consistent application of best practice approaches, including trauma-informed care, family engagement, and culturally responsive service delivery.
• Coordinate CPS unit activities and collaborate with other units within the department to meet program goals.
• Promote family-centered and kinship-focused practice, encouraging placement with relatives and maintaining children’s connections to their families and communities whenever safely possible.
• Participate in the development and implementation of departmental policies, procedures, and program planning; enforce compliance with applicable laws, policies, and standards.
• Establish performance expectations; monitor staff and program effectiveness; provide constructive feedback and corrective action when needed.
• Maintain effective working relationships with local social service agencies, courts, law enforcement, and community organizations.
• Provide ongoing in-service training and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Collect and analyze data, prepare reports, and certify financial and case-related documentation.
• Provide emergency casework support as needed.
• Serve on community planning teams to assess needs, recommend services or placements, and assist in the coordination of child and adult welfare services.
• Provide supervision to on-call staff responding to after-hours CPS, APS, and foster care concerns.
• Participate in citywide emergency response plans, including management of emergency shelters.
• Attend work regularly and reliably.

Additional Responsibilities

• Represent the department at local and state meetings and engage with stakeholders to explain programs and regulations.
• Lead or participate in community education and outreach efforts.
• Oversee unit documentation and ensure accurate recordkeeping.
• Respond to inquiries or complaints from citizens, including de-escalating difficult or hostile situations.
• Assist with special assignments during emergency situations or at the direction of City leadership.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position provides day-to-day supervision, leadership, and mentorship to the Child Protective Services unit.
 Responsibilities include:

• Hiring, training, and onboarding new staff
• Delegating and directing workload
• Conducting performance evaluations
• Addressing personnel issues and complaints
• Supporting staff growth and professional development
• Promoting a positive, data-informed, and accountable work environment

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, or a related field is required.
• Extensive experience in child welfare or human services, including supervisory or leadership responsibilities.
• Proficiency with personal computers and relevant software is required.
• Master’s degree in Social Work or a related field is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Analytical and Data Skills: Ability to interpret and apply data to monitor outcomes, track performance indicators, and inform practice improvements.
• Best Practice Implementation: Knowledge of child welfare best practices, trauma-informed approaches, family engagement strategies, and kinship care principles.
• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret regulations, professional literature, and technical procedures. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write reports and deliver presentations.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to apply concepts such as ratios, percentages, statistics, and basic geometry to practical problems.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to identify problems, gather data, draw valid conclusions, and manage multiple variables in both routine and complex scenarios.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills for working effectively with clients, colleagues, community partners, and external agencies.

Other Qualifications

• Valid Virginia driver's license with a driving record that meets City criteria.
• Must meet all state-required qualifications for Family Services Supervisor.
• Completion of IS-100 and IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as needed.

Work is primarily performed in an office setting with occasional field work. May be exposed to emotionally challenging or stressful situations involving child abuse or neglect. Participation in after-hours or emergency response efforts is required.

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