Description

Come join our team and make a difference in the community!

The City of Roanoke is seeking a Family Services Specialist for the Department of Human and Social Services. The ideal candidate will be placed in one of our twelve divisions in Family Services.

Family Services Specialist – Adoptions
This Family Services Specialist position is in adoptions. The position carries a caseload of 10 to 14 children and meets with each child at least monthly. Works with families and collateral agencies to assess the needs of children in foster care with the goal of adoption. Works with potential adoptive families to apply for adoption assistance and assists in the process of adoption finalization through the circuit court. Provides child-specific recruitment to identify potential adoptive homes for children on their caseload. Develops, implements and monitors plans to meet needs and establish permanency plans. Attends court hearings, attends Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) meetings for consultation and funding, schedules and participates in Family Partnership Meetings (FPM) and monthly team meetings for the children on their caseload. Maintains case records, prepares written reports of services, findings and actions. Testifies in juvenile and domestic relations and circuit courts. Works with agencies such as the public schools, and various treatment programs. Acts as a team player and is able to work outside the normal range of hours when necessary. Position participate in a rotating after hours beeper team that responds to emergency Child Protective Services (CPS)/Adult Protective Services (APS)/Foster Care situations. Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Bilingual, Spanish/English speakers encouraged to apply.

Family Services Specialist - Out-Station Prevention (Grant)
This position supports and assists agency clients with personal, social, health and economic needs. Interviews clients both in their home as well as in the office to assess the nature and extent of needs. Identifies problems, counsels with families by addressing specific needs and/or issues with regard to keeping families and children safe in their own homes. Maintains case records, prepares written reports of services, findings and actions, and testifies in related court hearings as required. Performs work with agencies such the courts, schools, and other community partners. Supplies information about agency and/or community resources and facilities to neighborhood residents. Verifies data and assists clients in making arrangements for various services. Able to work independently in and out of the office in the neighborhood setting while maintaining regular communication with supervisor with regards to preparing and developing social studies and formulating service plans. Position will require the ability to sit, stand, bend, climb stairs, balance and lift up to 40 pounds (i.e. lifting children in and out of car safety seats). Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with a degree in the human services or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Bilingual, Spanish/English speakers encouraged to apply. THIS IS A GRANT FUNDED POSITION.

Family Services Specialist - Childcare
This position is responsible for carrying a child care services caseload and providing all services needed to ensure eligible families are able to participate in employment/educational activities while the children receive quality, age appropriate child care services. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Screening potential customers for child care services, Learning complex, detailed program requirements that vary based on age of child, type and location of provider, hours of care, and specific funding categories, Determining eligibility for subsidies, Reviewing and monitoring cases for continued eligibility and service needs, Working with the parent, child and provider to ensure services meet the family’s needs. This position will also share a 24-hour on-call rotation for back-up for Child/Adult Protective Services Hot Line. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with a degree in the human services or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Family Services Specialist - Resource Family Program Coordinator (RFPC)
This position will advise Foster Care Family Services Specialist regarding placement of children in agency approved resource families; conduct grant writing; handle recruitment, approval, renewal, training and retention of agency approved resource families; and work closely with child placing agencies. This position also supports and assists potential resource families with personal, social, health and economic needs. Interviews potential resource families to assess eligibility to foster/adopt. Identifies problems, counsels with resource families and confers with supervisor in approving resource family homes. Maintains case records, prepares written reports, findings and actions. Shares a 24-hour on-call rotation. Knowledge of community resources and strong background in foster care is preferred. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with a degree in the human services or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Bilingual, Spanish/English speakers encouraged to apply. Must be available to work evenings and weekends to meet the training needs of the resource families.

Family Services Specialist - Adult Protective Services (APS)
This Family Services Specialist position investigates allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of elderly and disabled individuals. Responsible for completing investigations and assessment within 45 days; and conducting screenings to determine if individuals qualify for Community Based Care or Nursing Home placement under Medicaid guidelines. Performs work for all cases resulting in on-going services and monitoring; and makes referrals to collateral agencies to ensure the client receives all available services in order to increase the individual level of safety and self-sufficiency. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with a degree in the human services or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Bilingual, Spanish/English speakers encouraged to apply.

Family Services Specialist - Foster Care
This Family Services Specialist position is in foster care. The position carries a caseload of 10 to 14 children and meets with each child at least monthly. Works with families and collateral agencies to assess the needs of children in foster care. Develops, implements and monitors plans to meet needs and establish permanency plans. Attends court hearings, attends Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) meetings for consultation and funding, schedules and participates in Family Partnership Meetings (FPM) and monthly team meetings for the children on their caseload. Maintains case records, prepares written reports of services, findings and actions. Testifies in juvenile and domestic relations and circuit courts. Works with agencies such as the public schools, and various treatment programs. Acts as a team player and is able to work outside the normal range of hours when necessary. Position participate in a rotating after hours beeper team that responds to emergency Child Protective Services (CPS)/Adult Protective Services (APS)/Foster Care situations. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with a degree in the human services or related field; or equivalent combination of bachelor's degree and human/social service experience. Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Bilingual, Spanish/English speakers encouraged to apply.

Family Services Specialist – Foster Care Prevention
This position supports and assists agency clients with personal, social, health and economic needs. Interviews clients both in their home as well as in the office to assess the nature and extent of needs. Identifies problems, counsels with families by addressing specific needs and/or issues with regard to keeping families and children safe in their own homes. Maintains case records, prepares written reports of services, findings and actions, and testifies in related court hearings as required. Performs work with agencies such the courts, schools, and other community partners. Supplies information about agency and/or resources and facilities to community. Verifies data and assists clients in making arrangements for various services. Able to work independently in and out of the office while maintaining regular communication with supervisor with regards to preparing and developing social studies and formulating service plans. Position will require the ability to sit, stand, bend, climb stairs, balance and lift up to 40 pounds (i.e. lifting children in and out of car safety seats). Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with a degree in the human services or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Bilingual, Spanish/English speakers encouraged to apply.

Family Services Specialist – Hotline
The primary responsibility of this position is to answer the hotline, record reports of child and adult abuse and neglect, and enter this information in the automated computer systems, OASIS. Interviews complainants to assess the nature and extent of abuse and/or neglect the child or adult is experiencing. Confers with supervisors in determining validity of report, and assigning cases to social workers. Knowledge of community resources and strong background in child protective services is preferred. Proficient in computer skills (i.e. keyboarding) and programs including Microsoft Office suite, preferably experience with OASIS, ASAPS, and SPIDER. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with a degree in the human services or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Bilingual, Spanish/English speakers encouraged to apply.

Family Services Specialist - Child Protective Services (CPS)
Assesses and investigates allegations of child abuse and/or neglect while providing needed services to at risk families and children. Works closely with various ancillary agencies to enforce child protective services laws and provide required/requested services to families in need.
Plans and coordinates needed services for individuals and families while making appropriate referrals to other agencies as necessary. Prepares court affidavits/reports and testify as needed.
Maintains CPS caseload while completing routine paperwork in time frames required by Virginia State Code. Ability to multi-task and respond to crisis situations in a timely and professional manner. Acts as a team player willing to assist co-workers and able to work outside the normal range of hours when necessary. Participates in a rotating after hours beeper team that responds to emergency CPS/APS/Foster Care situations.

Family Services Specialist - CPS Investigator
Assesses and investigates allegations of child abuse and/or neglect while providing needed services to at risk families and children. Works closely with various ancillary agencies to enforce child protective services laws and provide required/requested services to families in need. Plans and coordinates needed services for individuals and families while making appropriate referrals to other agencies as necessary. Prepares court affidavits/reports and testify as needed. Maintains CPS caseload while completing routine paperwork in time frames required by Virginia State Code. Ability to multi-task and respond to crisis situations in a timely and professional manner. Acts as a team player willing to assist co-workers and able to work outside the normal range of hours when necessary. Participates in a rotating after hours beeper team that responds to emergency CPS/APS/Foster Care situations.

Family Services Specialist - Domestic Violence Services
24 hour response to Child Protective Services (CPS) complaints including reports of domestic violence (dv) within the state mandated timeline. Visit children and parents/caretakers referred for DV at home, school, and in other settings to assess child's safety and risk of witnessing DV and/or abuse and neglect. Develop safety plans, as needed, with parents/caretakers and provide supportive services to the victim and child(ren). May require the removal of child(ren) at imminent risk of danger. Collaborate with Roanoke City Police, Commonwealth Attorney's Office, Victim Witness Programs, and other community agencies. Able to provide court documents and/or testify in juvenile and/or circuit court intervention. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with a degree in the human services or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Family Services Specialist - Resource Parent Recruiter/Marketing & Community
Performs professional recruitment and marketing duties including developing and implementing a strategic recruitment plan for identifying, engaging and training potentially successful foster and respite families in our community. Performs market analysis to target specific recruitment, such as foster families for youth aged 13+. Performs recruitment duties including public speaking and marketing using diverse formats including social media and print. Performs responsible professional work in recruiting, training, approving and retaining resource foster homes. Coordinates training and recruitment activities in collaboration with Social Services staff. Performs other duties as assigned.

Family Services Specialist - Children's Services Act (CSA) Liaison - This position will work with families and collateral agencies to assess the needs of children in foster care and the local public school system. Responsible for oversight of the Theraputic Foster Care and the Roanoke City Public School Utilization Reviews. Attends Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) meetings for consultation and funding, schedules and participates in Family Partnership Meetings (FPM). This position monitors and reviews individual service plans for youth and families occur in compliance with state and local CSA policies and procedures. Communicates and coordinates regularly with case managers from the core CSA agencies for mental health, juvenile justice, social services, and public schools. Performs an auditing function of the program by ensuring client files have updated documentation on an on-going basis and prior to closing a CSA case. Assists with creating or enhancing a standardized utilization management system or tracking system for designated CSA-funded children. Reviews and makes recommendations for appropriate transition planning and step down services as needed for specific children. Maintains familiarity with available resources to make suggestions and assist case managers and families. Identifies problems, counsels with clients and confers with supervisors in preparing social studies in the formulation and delivery of service plans. Maintains records through the course of client's service relationships. Makes referrals for service to agencies, such as clinics, employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, etc. Performs work with agencies such as juvenile and domestic relations courts, circuit courts, schools, and community service agencies.

Family Services Specialist - Families First
This program works with children who are in danger of placement in foster care, as well as their families. This involves facilitation of services such as
prevention and treatment services pertaining to mental health, substance abuse disorder, and In Home Parent skill-based services. This position
creates prevention strategies and completes prevention service plans and accesses federal funding in efforts to keep families intact.

***NOTE: If you do not hold a State of Virginia Drivers License, you will be required to provide a certified copy of a DMV report from the state of previous residence before you can be considered for this position.***
Effective 6/30/2013, positions within the City of Roanoke which contained "Social Work" were reclassified to "Family Services". This change was made to comply with The Code of Virginia § 54.1-3709.

Examples of Duties

SUMMARY
Supports and assists agency clients with personal, social, health and economic needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Other duties may be assigned.
Interviews clients to assess the nature and extent of needs

Identifies problems, counsels with clients and confers with supervisor in preparing social studies in the formulation and delivery of service plans

Maintains records through the course of client's service relationships with agency

Makes referrals for service to agencies, such as clinics, employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, etc

Performs work with agencies such as juvenile and domestic relations courts, circuit courts, etc

Provides protection and care to abandoned, abused and neglected children and adults on a regular and emergency basis in potentially dangerous situations

Works with abusive or neglecting parents and families to help effect changes in family situation, usually in a family home setting

Makes decisions to remove children from dangerous situations and recommendations regarding institutionalization of adults and children

Studies homes for day care, foster care of adoption placement and/or foster care and adoptive placements

Maintains case records, prepares written reports of services, findings and actions

Serves as agency representative on a variety of multi disciplinary teams

Shares a 24-hour on-call rotation

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Typical Qualifications

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

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.

Supplemental Information

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as laws, policies, regulations, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to respond effectively to inquiries orally and in writing. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

***CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS***
Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. If you do not have a Drivers License issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia, you must submit a certified copy of your driving record issued by the DMV from your previous state of residence with your application.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk. Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.

Must be willing to work outside normal work hours and respond to both routine and emergency situations.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as traffic hazards, violent individuals, communicable diseases, or rude/irate customers.

This is a job description and not an individualized position description. A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.

Overview of Benefits for Full-Time Employees:

Paid leave is time off from work available for use by an employee upon approval by supervisor. The first 24 consecutive leave hours for any illness must be charged to paid leave with additional time charged to extended illness leave. Paid leave for employees of the city shall accrue as follows:

Years of Service Hours Per Month Fire 24-hr shift Employees
0 - 4 12 19.75
5 - 9 14 22.75
10- 14 16 25.50
15 - 19 17 26.75
20 - 24 18 28.75
25 + 20 32

Extended Illness Leave: shall accrue at the rate of six (6) hours per month. Fire suppression employees shall accrue extended illness leave at nine (9) hours per month.
Funeral Leave: for family, up to three consecutive days.
Military Leave: Twenty-one work days per Federal fiscal year.
Holidays: The City provides 96 hours of annual paid holiday time.

Mental Health & Well-Being Leave: Employees receive 24 hours (Fire Suppression receives 34 hours) of Mental Health & Well-Being Leave upon hire. Certification of mental health diagnosis is not required and leave will not be paid out upon separation.

Shared Leave Bank (effective 1/1/2023): Voluntary membership for full-time Employees who will be out for an extended period of time and has exhausted all other forms of leave. Members are required to provide 8 hours of their Extended Illness per fiscal year and at least 8 hours per assessment. Assessments will be limimted to 4 times per fiscal year (max of 40 hours per fiscal year).

Health Insurance: Four coverage types are available: Employee only, Employee + 1 Child, Employee + Spouse and Family. Coverage is available through payroll deduction.

Additionally, the city offers the following three Aetna Health Plan Options:

PPO 300 – Provides 100% coverage for preventive care; lower deductible and out-of-pocket maximums than other medical plans; and has higher employee premiums. This is comparable to the current insurance program.
PPO/HRA 1000 – Provides 100% coverage for preventive care; has higher deductible and out-of-pocket maximum than the PPO 300 plan; has lower employee premiums than the PPO 300 plan; and the employer makes contributions to an account through a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). The City of Roanoke contributes $500 for employee only coverage and $1,000 for all other tiers. Contributions are pro-rated dependent upon enrollment date.
PPO/HSA 2700 – Provides 100% coverage for preventive care; has higher deductible and out-of-pocket maximum than other medical plans; has lower employee premiums; and both the employer and the employee make contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for medical expenses which apply to the deductible. The City of Roanoke contributes towards the Health Savings Account (HSA), $1,300 for employee only coverage and $2,600 for all other tiers. Contributions are pro-rated dependent upon enrollment date.

Optum RX (Pharmaceutical Benefits Manager) - Manages pharmacy benefits, processes employee pharmacy claims and answers employee pharmacy benefit questions.

Aetna Health Plan 2022 Monthly Rates
PPO 300
Employee Only: $70.94
Employee + Child: $265.16
Employee + Spouse: $621.98
Family: $680.04

PPO/HRA 1000
Employee Only: $45.94
Employee + Child: $225.16
Employee + Spouse: $571.98
Family: $580.04

PPO/HSA 2700
Employee Only: $21.72
Employee + Child: $169.46
Employee + Spouse $474.36
Family: $476.68

Dental Insurance: Four coverage types are available: Family, Employee and Spouse, Employee and Child, and Employee only. Coverage is available through payroll deduction.

Delta Dental 2022 Monthly Rates
Employee: $2.80
Employee/Child: $18.88
Employee/Spouse: $18.88
Family: $49.36

Life Insurance: Paid by the City at no cost to employees. Coverage is equal to the annual salary rounded to the next highest thousand and then doubled. For an accidental death, the coverage would be twice this amount.

Optional Life Insurance: Paid by the employee. Various amounts of coverage, including family members, available through payroll deduction.

Long Term Disability Insurance: Designed to provide a monthly benefit to assist employees with bills and maintaining a standard of living when disabled as a result of a covered sickness or injury. Coverage is available through payroll deduction. Annual cost is your annual salary multiplied by .00255. This amount is half of the total premium and the City pays the other half.

Retirement: Employees contribute 5% of salary and choose between participating in a traditional defined benefit plan or a hybrid program. Employees vest in the employer component of either plan upon completing five (5) years of service.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Normal retirement after 55th birthday, and when combination of age and creditable service equals 85; or, 65th birthday if completed at least five years of creditable service. For sworn officers in Police and Fire/EMS, normal retirement after 50th birthday, and when combination of age and service equals 75; or, 65th birthday or older with 5 years of creditable service. An annual retirement benefit equals 2.0% of salary (based on an average of the highest five years) times the number of creditable years with a maximum of 63%. Early retirement options are available and reductions may apply based on age and service.

Hybrid Program: Provides the characteristics of the traditional pension plan with that of a deferred compensation plan. The pension plan provides an annual benefit equaling 1% of salary (based on an average of the highest five years) times the number of creditable years with a maximum of 63%. The deferred compensation component provides for the employee contribution to be deposited in an account directed by the member. The combination of the two components is structured to provide approximately the same actuarial benefit as the Defined Benefit Pension Plan. International City Management Association - Retirement Corporation (ICMA-RC) provides the third party administration of this deferred compensation plan for participating employees.

Sheriff's Department Employees are covered b the Virginia Retirement System (VRS). Previous service covered by VRS may be portable to the Roanoke Retirement System.

Retirement Health Savings Plan: All employees contribute 1% of salary to a 401(h) health savings account. Employees vest in the City match of 1% upon completing five (5) years of service. International City Management Association - Retirement Corporation (ICMA-RC) provides the third party administration of this plan for participating employees.
Deferred Compensation: Employees may voluntarily contribute salary deferred dollars into a City Sponsored 457 Plan. International City Management Association - Retirement Corporation (ICMA-RC) provides the third party administration of this deferred compensation plan for participating employees.

Flexible Spending Account: Allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars from their pay checks to pay for child care and/or medical and dental expenses not covered by the City's health care or dental plans. You may also set aside pre-tax dollars to cover certain transit or parking expenses. Keep in mind only transit or parking expenses may be rolled over from year to year.

Virginia College Savings Plan: Two plans to choose from at a reduced application fee, Virginia Prepaid Education Program and the Virginia Education Savings Trust.

Employee Health Services: The City employee health services provides medical care for employees, retirees, and eligible spouses.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services available to assist employees facing life challenges.

Pay Days: Direct deposit is required for all new employees. Paid bi-weekly, 26 pay periods per year.

Vision Insurance: Paid by the Employee. Includes annual routine eye exam, discounts on eyeglass frames, eyeglass lenses and contact lenses.
CEC 2022 Monthly Rates
Employee: $6.68
Employee/Spouse: $12.68
Employee/Child(ren): $13.36
Family: $19.71

Discounts & Voluntary Benefits: Employees may access discounts through various national and local retailers. Discounts include 10% off auto insurance and 5% off home or renters insurance with Liberty Mutual. Voluntary benefits offered through Corestream. Critical Illness, Accident Insurance and Cancer Policies will be available through Colonial Life and Long Term Care will be available through Transamerica. All voluntary benefits may be payroll deducted.