Family Services Specialist

DEFINITION

Under the general supervision of the Unit Administrator, District Manager or designee, this is intermediate level social services work involving social, physical, legal and emotional problems. This position requires the incumbent to coordinate caseloads, advocacy, referral services, and direct intervention and service delivery for complex social work cases at the Department of Human Services. Work and approaches taken to handle caseloads are reviewed through meetings, conferences and staffing.

DUTIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE)

Manages caseloads by maintaining files, telephone contacts, referrals to private vendors for services, preparing documents, and filing case documents.

Prepares for court by attending court hearings to generate written reports and testimonies, filing petitions and affidavits, preparing court reports, and coordinating activities with attorneys and law enforcement.

Provides case management in conjunction with the supervisor and other relevant parties.

Keeps factual and timely formal records through the use of computer software and information systems.

Conducts home studies, prepares written reports of findings, attends and coordinates related meetings, and seeks to resolve crisis situations for families and individuals regarding personal safety, shelter, food and clothing.

Serves as client advocate in accessing services and working with stakeholders such as hospitals, schools, courts, homes and mental health providers that may require referrals for services. 

Collaborates with other staff in locating safe relatives, fictive kin, foster homes, group homes, homes for the aged, and residential treatment facilities based on client’s service needs.

Participates in staff and training meetings as assigned.

Prepares service plans and case reviews in a timely manner and clearly state treatment plan and objectives for client.

Attends appropriate meetings and/or conferences to present cases, receive supervision, and analyze services provided. 

Performs other related duties as required by management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) or a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science field (social work, counseling, family services, gerontology, guidance and counseling, family and child development, psychology, criminology or sociology) plus two (2) years’ experience in child welfare services, social services and case management. 

FACTOR 1- KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of family services principles, practices and ethics: i.e., interviewing, assessing client needs, development of treatment plan to deliver services and locating and securing resources. 

Knowledge of normal and abnormal human behavior including child and adolescent growth and development, mental disorders, adult and geriatric behavior. 

Knowledge of basic agency purpose and functions, office procedures, and services offered. 

Skill in written and oral communication. 

Skill in interviewing to gather, interpret and use data appropriately. 

Skill in basic organization and case management. 

Skill in assessing family's or individual's strengths and needs. 

Skill in basic counseling with individuals and families.

Skill in research, collecting factual and specific data. 

Ability to use community resources effectively and appropriately as part of the overall service delivery. 

Ability to apply skills adequately and utilize new concepts to serve clients. 

FACTOR 2- SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

General supervision is administered by a supervisor. This employee must exercise sound judgment and assessment skills, informed by their education and training to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position. Work and approaches taken to handle caseload are reviewed through meetings, conferences and staffing. Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on then current workloads and department needs.

FACTOR 3- GUIDELINES 

Guidelines include federal local and departmental policies and procedures, the Virgin Islands Code, as well as behavioral, psychological, social services intervention textbooks, manuals and periodicals.

FACTOR 4- COMPLEXITY 

This is intermediate level social services work involving social, physical, legal and emotional problems. This position requires the incumbent to coordinate complex caseloads with direct intervention and service delivery for complex social work cases at the Department of Human Services.

FACTOR 5- SCOPE AND EFFECT

The purpose of this work is to provide social services to vulnerable individuals and families, provide advocacy and referral services and provide clients with treatment of social, physical and emotional problems. Provides cooperation with agreed quality assurance process implemented by the Government.

FACTOR 6- PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are with co-workers, clients and their family, court personnel, community groups and the public.

FACTOR 7- PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Contacts are made to provide intervention, advocacy and referral, counseling services, and to disseminate information to those who require the services.

FACTOR 8- PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work involves walking or standing and exerting up to ten (10) pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and routine keyboard operations. Constant use of both hands/arms in reaching/handling/grasping while keyboarding, using phone, calculator, copier, and other office equipment, writing instructions, filing, and performing other administrative duties.  

FACTOR 9- WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position involves a risk of limited to no exposure to any environmental hazards. Will be required to travel to offsite locations. All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs, client emergencies and/or disaster response. Position is considered essential and requires reporting to work in inclement weather or other states of emergency and or as required by the Commissioner. 

Necessary Special Requirement: 

Possession or ability to have or obtain a valid US Virgin Islands driver’s license.