Family Services Specialist III-APS
Virginia Department of Social Services, Waynesboro, VA, United States
Title Description
To receive and investigate reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults 60 years of age or older and incapacitated adults age 18 or older in their homes, community and facility settings; stop and reduce the risk of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation through assessment and observation of the adult's physical health, mental health, cognitive functioning, behavior, functional health, environment, financial situation, and formal/informal supports; provide intensive, short‑term interventions such as arranging for health, housing, social and legal services; maximize functioning and independence and prevent loss of life or health. Assists in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required.
Knowledge of
Social work principles and practices
Process of aging and geriatrics
Human behavior
Stages of change and motivational interviewing
Effective communication
Crisis intervention
Current social issues and related interventions for issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, food insecurity, substance abuse, healthcare availability, and mental illness
Empowerment theory
Strengths based assessment and service delivery
Team building
Evidence based practices
Abuse, neglect and exploitation and intervention strategies
Service planning
Monitoring and evaluation
Community resources
Court procedures
Virginia laws
Skills In
Use of personal computer, hardware and software programs
Operation of general office equipment and motor vehicle
Demonstrated Ability To
Review and interpret policy; identify abuse, neglect, and exploitation; assess risk, safety and capacity; conduct thorough investigations in an individual's home, community, or facility; maintain accurate records, maintain effective working relationships with clients and professionals; use evidence based practices; work effectively with clients who have varying socioeconomic status, cultures, morals, and values; make appropriate and prompt referrals for a variety of housing, mental health, physical health, legal, substance abuse treatment, and financial services; attend court hearings and provide professional testimony; prepare written reports; respond to emergency cases to stabilize the situation; develop client‑centered, solution focused service plans with the least restriction to the adult's liberty.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in human services field or minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field and a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC4-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).
Special Requirements
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, credit checks and other checks requested by the hiring authority. All offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screening.
Possession of a valid driver’s license in the Commonwealth of Virginia and a driving record demonstrating responsible motor vehicle operation practices. Driving records must meet agency requirements.
Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
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To receive and investigate reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults 60 years of age or older and incapacitated adults age 18 or older in their homes, community and facility settings; stop and reduce the risk of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation through assessment and observation of the adult's physical health, mental health, cognitive functioning, behavior, functional health, environment, financial situation, and formal/informal supports; provide intensive, short‑term interventions such as arranging for health, housing, social and legal services; maximize functioning and independence and prevent loss of life or health. Assists in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required.
Knowledge of
Social work principles and practices
Process of aging and geriatrics
Human behavior
Stages of change and motivational interviewing
Effective communication
Crisis intervention
Current social issues and related interventions for issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, food insecurity, substance abuse, healthcare availability, and mental illness
Empowerment theory
Strengths based assessment and service delivery
Team building
Evidence based practices
Abuse, neglect and exploitation and intervention strategies
Service planning
Monitoring and evaluation
Community resources
Court procedures
Virginia laws
Skills In
Use of personal computer, hardware and software programs
Operation of general office equipment and motor vehicle
Demonstrated Ability To
Review and interpret policy; identify abuse, neglect, and exploitation; assess risk, safety and capacity; conduct thorough investigations in an individual's home, community, or facility; maintain accurate records, maintain effective working relationships with clients and professionals; use evidence based practices; work effectively with clients who have varying socioeconomic status, cultures, morals, and values; make appropriate and prompt referrals for a variety of housing, mental health, physical health, legal, substance abuse treatment, and financial services; attend court hearings and provide professional testimony; prepare written reports; respond to emergency cases to stabilize the situation; develop client‑centered, solution focused service plans with the least restriction to the adult's liberty.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in human services field or minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field and a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC4-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).
Special Requirements
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, credit checks and other checks requested by the hiring authority. All offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screening.
Possession of a valid driver’s license in the Commonwealth of Virginia and a driving record demonstrating responsible motor vehicle operation practices. Driving records must meet agency requirements.
Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
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