Family Services Specialist I
The Family Services Specialist I is an entry-level role providing casework and program support in areas such as adult and child protective services, foster care, and employment services under close supervision. The position involves client assessment, service planning, coordination with agencies, and emergency response duties, with progression to full performance status upon completion of training and approvals. This role requires strong communication, judgment, and organizational skills to effectively support vulnerable populations within the community.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Local Government — Social Services.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is hiring an entry-level Family Services Specialist I to provide supervised casework across programs such as Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. This role completes routine- to journey-level casework while participating in a structured training program and is reviewed regularly by a supervisor. After successful completion of training and required approvals, the employee may be reclassified to Family Services Specialist II.
- Interprets laws, policies and regulations and applies them to cases
- Conducts interviews, assesses client needs, and develops service plans
- Provides case management and monitors compliance with service plans
- Coordinates with community agencies and participates on multi-disciplinary teams
- Manages waiting lists, tracks program expenditures, and assists with budget estimates
- Completes federal, state and local reporting and planning requirements
- Provides after-hours on-call coverage and responds to protective services emergencies
- Serves as a community resource and refers clients to appropriate services
Who We’re Looking For
A motivated, compassionate candidate who is beginning a career in social services and who wants hands-on training in multiple program areas. Ideal candidates are comfortable working under supervision, learning program rules and documentation standards, and responding to crisis situations when required.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a human services field (social work, sociology, psychology, criminal justice, political science, child development) OR a bachelor’s degree in any field plus at least two years of related human services experience — consistent with Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Virginia Administrative Code.
- Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and an acceptable driving record per agency criteria.
- Must successfully complete IS-100 and IS-700 National Incident Management training within 90 days of employment (additional NIMS training may be required).
Skills & Abilities
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Ability to interview, assess, counsel, and refer clients
- Good judgment within laws, policies and regulations
- Ability to manage workload, prepare reports, and maintain accurate records
- Basic computer skills and ability to use case management software
- Skill operating a motor vehicle for client transport (must meet age/driver requirements)
Location & Schedule
- Work location: Miller Park, VA
- This is a full-time, on-site role with the expectation of a regular Monday–Friday schedule and the possibility of after-hours on-call shifts, weekend response, and travel within the service area as required.
- Transporting agency clients requires that applicants be at least 21 years of age.
Compensation & Benefits
- Estimated pay: $74,025 per year (estimated). Actual pay and benefits will be determined by Confidential Client’s compensation and benefits policies.
- Advancement: Employees who complete training and receive required approvals may be reclassified to Family Services Specialist II and become eligible for a pay increase per local agency plan.
How We Hire (Process & Assessments)
Confidential Client will review applications, evaluate qualifications against minimum requirements, and use standard selection steps such as resume review, supplemental questionnaire responses, and interviews. Reasonable accommodations are available during the hiring process upon request.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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