Social Services Specialist III
Provides ongoing support for resource families certified through the Department of Family Services (DFS). In collaboration with case carrying specialist, placement coordinators, and mutual family assessment specialists, this position specifically provides interventions to foster parents regarding grief and loss, permanency goals, bridging the gap, parenting challenges, transitions, trauma and challenging behaviors. This support is provided through face-to-face contact, telephone calls, and other forms of technology. This specialist will input all client related content into the electronic database or electronic filing system. This position is responsible for approving foster homes every three (3) years and monitoring homes for compliance pertaining to state and federal requirements. Collaboration with community partners is often necessary work. This position requires carrying a cell phone to respond to after-hours emergencies where there is a need to identify homes for children separated from their family of origin and crisis or challenges that occur in foster homes. This position also performs other duties as assigned and requires some weekend, holiday and after-hours work. This position partners with area Therapeutic Foster Care agencies to ensure quality assurance. As part of the Children, Youth and Families Division (CYF) continuum of care, this position may be required to support other CYF program areas to meet the business needs of the Division.
The appointee to this position must have the following knowledge, skills and abilities: • Ability to provide excellent customer service internally with the agency as well as with community partners and foster parents. • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. • Ability to work independently. • Ability to use automated technology. • Well-developed listening, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, assessment and decision-making skills. • Ability to learn and apply state and federal laws and policies for foster home providers.
All Fairfax County Government employees are expected to adhere to the Standards of Conduct. In maintaining a drug free workplace, employees are prohibited from manufacturing, distributing, possessing, using or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while at work or on county premises.
Schedule: A flexible schedule including some weekend, holiday and after-hours work will be required. This position is considered essential personnel and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster).
Note: This job announcement may be used to fill a current and future full-time Social Service Specialist III vacancies.
Employment Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree, plus three years of professional social work experience. A master's degree in a related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
Contingent upon the area of assignment, some positions within this class may require specific certification(s) prior to employment and/or the ability to acquire necessary certification(s) within a specified time period following employment. The certifications are identified in the position description and employment advertisement.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's in social work, psychology or other related fields.
- At least three (3) years of foster care and adoption case management and home visiting experience
- Able to speak in Spanish.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Valid driver's license.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background a driving record check, and a Child Protective Services check to the satisfaction of the employer.
This position is considered essential personnel and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster).
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Ability to use automated technology. Ability to transport training materials and equipment. Ability to operate a motor vehicle to make home visits and attend community events not accessible via public transportation. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds. All duties are performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include practical exercise
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.