Family Services Specialist - In-Home Services

Description

The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At the completion of a family assessment or founded Child Protective Services investigation in which high or very high risk to a child is established, the Family Services Specialist (FSS) will consult with the family to provide or arrange for ongoing, necessary protective and rehabilitative services for the child and family. The FSS and family will work together to identify strengths and needs and develop a service plan to guide the family in making the needed changes to keep the child(ren) safe. The FSS provides direct family services and case management to ensure the best outcomes for the child(ren) involved. The FSS will participate in Family Partnerships meetings, school meetings, attend and testify in court, work with kinship providers, complete home and community visits, complete service plans with the family, and assess for safety of the child and protective capacity of the caregivers.

Opportunities for advancement are available through a pay progression plan.

Successful candidate must possess a valid driver's license and a driving record acceptable according to City criteria that includes

• -4 or fewer DMV demerit points

• No DWI/DUI convictions within the last three (3) years

• At least three (3) years of continuously valid licensing

• An overall pattern of safe motor vehicle operation and driving habits

Successful candidate must satisfactorily complete criminal background check, drug and alcohol screen (including marijuana), and Child Protective Services Registry check.

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Essential Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.

• Makes comprehensive assessment of families/clients in crisis

• Analyzes needs and coordinates resources, which will support the family/client

• Develops and implements a plan of action for the family/client which directly involves family/client input

• Engages family/client and community in problem solving, conflict resolution and achieving goals in order to resolve the crisis

• Stabilizes and improves family/client living and interpersonal skills through counseling and referrals to collateral resources

• Executes complex and critical decisions involving families/clients in crisis, under possible adverse conditions

• Performs scheduled and unscheduled field visits in frequently highly volatile and dangerous environments

• Participates in extensive networking and collaboration with community and professional agencies, both public and private

• Provides analysis, recommendations and testimony in complex court proceedings, which requires thorough assessment and documentation of the family/client's situations; assists in formulating recommendations on difficult and important technical problems relating to the court action

• Interprets, implements and administers complex policies, regulations, and laws, and refines established complex procedures which require frequent independent thinking and resourcefulness in a complex environment

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Assists in the evaluation of programs and services rendered to families/clients

• Processes financial documentation related to family/client services

• Interprets agency programs to other agencies, community groups, and associations

• Identifies homes suitable for placement of children and adults

• Researches and develops community resources, gives presentations, and participates in interagency meetings such as FAPT, eligibility, and IEP meetings with schools

• Transports clients to medical and mental health appointments

• Assists in the operation of emergency shelters

• Provides coverage for child protective services intake duties when necessary

• 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

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities

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/OR EXPERIENCE

To be hired a candidate must possess a baccalaureate degree in the human services field; or a baccalaureate degree in any field accompanied by a minimum of two years appropriate and related experience in a human services related area. Individuals who do not meet the degree requirement at the time of application for employment must be in their last semester of a degree program in a human services field.

Additional Requirements

Possession of valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record according to City criteria.ViewCity'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.