Family Services Specialist I
The Family Services Specialist I is an entry-level social services role responsible for conducting client assessments, managing cases related to adult and child protective services, and coordinating services such as guardianship and foster care under close supervision. This position involves frequent home visits, collaboration with courts and community partners, and participation in on-call rotations, providing foundational experience leading to advancement to a full-performance Family Services Specialist II.
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, Healthcare & Nursing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Position Overview
Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level Family Services Specialist I to join their team in Virginia. This role works under close supervision while receiving training across program areas including Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. The position performs routine to journey-level casework; case actions are typically reviewed by a supervisor prior to implementation. Successful completion of training and required approvals can lead to reclassification to Family Services Specialist II and eligibility for a pay increase per local compensation plans.
- Estimated salary: $55,350 per year (estimated)
- Employment type: Full time
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct assessments to determine client needs, risk level, and service eligibility
- Investigate reports of adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation (APS)
- Develop, implement, and manage individualized service plans
- Coordinate and monitor guardianship cases, including court involvement and oversight
- Arrange services such as in-home care, placement, and community-based support
- Maintain accurate, timely case documentation and case notes
- Collaborate with courts, medical professionals, law enforcement, and community partners
- Participate in multidisciplinary teams and case reviews
- Assist across other program areas (CPS, Foster Care, Prevention) as needed
- Provide after-hours on-call coverage on a rotating basis
- Perform frequent local travel and conduct home visits/fieldwork as required
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field OR
- Bachelor’s degree in any field plus at least two (2) years of related human services experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in Adult Services, Adult Protective Services, or Guardianship
- BSW or MSW degree
- Virginia Social Worker license
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of social work principles and human behavior
- Ability to assess client needs and develop effective service plans
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; accurate documentation
- Caseload management and ability to prioritize competing demands
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and community partners
- Sound judgment in high-pressure or sensitive situations
- Comfortable performing fieldwork and home visits
Working Conditions
- Frequent local travel required
- Home visits and fieldwork are essential
- Exposure to sensitive or potentially high-risk environments
- Participation in an on-call rotation is required
Benefits
Confidential Client offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health, financial security, and work-life balance, which may include:
- Health insurance options (including a high-deductible plan with employer-funded HRA in some plans)
- Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) or comparable retirement plan
- Employer-paid group life insurance (varies by plan)
- Voluntary benefits including supplemental insurance and deferred compensation options
- Paid semi-monthly payroll
(Actual benefits and plan details will be provided by the client during the hiring process.)
Career Growth Opportunity
This role provides a clear career pathway from Family Services Specialist I to Family Services Specialist II upon successful completion of training, meeting performance expectations, and fulfillment of agency requirements.
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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