Entry Level Social Service Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Floyd County Department of Social Services is nestled in Floyd County, a unique mountain community known for its natural beauty, music, arts, and diverse, caring people. It is the mission of the Floyd County Department of Social Services (DSS) to eliminate poverty, abuse, and neglect through the design, implementation, coordination, and provision of quality services to the families and children of Floyd County. We are currently looking for a Family Services Specialist to join our Services Team. This position is considered hybrid and will concentrate on Adult Protective Services investigations & Child Protective Services family assessments & investigations. Floyd County DSS is a small, Level One agency that functions with a family team approach. We offer a full employee benefits package, to include:

• Health/Dental insurance packages with no single portion monthly premium effective after your first month of employment;
• Family/Personal & Sick Leave balances awarded on your first day of employment;
• Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS);
• Participation in the ICMA Retirement Defined Contribution Plan;
• Thirteen paid holidays;
• Flexible work schedule (depending on position and employee status);
• Telework options (depending on position and employee status);
• Life Insurance; and
• Additional "optional" benefit packages are available.

Job Description:
Depending on the applicant's current/previous experience at a local department of social services, this position may be filled as a Family Services Specialist I or Family Services Specialist II. The minimum starting salary for this position is $55,000 annually. Starting salary may be higher depending on the level of experience the applicant has specific to human/social services.
A Family Services Specialist I represents the entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption and Family Support Services. Employees perform routine entry level casework activities and the casework is usually reviewed by the supervisor prior to implementing case action.
A Family Services Specialist II represents the full performance level responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods and basic service level caseloads of Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption and Prevention Services. Employees perform all tasks independently and seek supervisory advice on unusual situations or when policies and procedures require supervisory review or involvement.
General work tasks include, but are not limited to: Interprets laws, policies and regulations; Monitors, coordinates and administers specific programs as assigned; Coordinates services within specific areas of responsibility; Interviews and assesses customer needs and other relevant factors such as education/skill levels, abilities, interests and support systems; Informs clients of related service programs rules/regulations and right to participate; Presents cases to determine appropriate services and writes/implements service plans; Provides case management services to monitor compliance; Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services; Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements; Conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility; Serves as resource to customers and the community in area(s) of expertise; Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption and/or Family Support Services; Testify in court settings, and file court reports and protective orders.
Minimum Qualifications:
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 as mandated in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services.
Some knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health problems.
Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software (Word, Excel, Access or other word processing programs).
Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed; develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
Preferred Qualifications:
Possession of a BSW or MSW degree (Floyd County DSS pays a 10% differential for those holding a Master's Degree in a Human Services Field).
Demonstrated ability to document and maintain records on new and on-going cases in the state computer information system (OASIS).
Considerable experience in the adult and child protective services program areas & completion of required training experience to knowledge, skills and abilities.
Special Requirements:
Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
Applications/resumes for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered applications/resumes will not be accepted.
Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application/resume.
Valid driver's license.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check and /or pre-employment drug screen. The Investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI) local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
This position is covered under Code of Virginia §63.2-160001.1 or §63.2-1720 requiring the finalist candidate to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.