The City of Richmond Department of Social Services is seeking a highly qualified candidate for the position of Family Services Worker to focus on Relative Search and Engagement in the Resource Family Unit. The incumbent is responsible for working collaboratively with other social workers in researching and contacting relatives and other potential resources for children in the foster care system with the goal of improving the child's sense of connectivity, knowledge of family origin, and overall well-being.

• Recruiting of resource families, orienting families to the City of Richmond Resource Family Program
• Functioning as a lead PRIDE trainer
• Completing comprehensive assessments of families
• Preparing home studies according to state and local standards
• Assisting with developing curriculum for ongoing training for Resource Families
• Matching children and families
• Engaging difficult to place children in child specific recruitment
• Guiding Resource Families in their role as members of the professional team
• Providing constructive feedback to parents regarding their role and performance as Resource Families
• Linking families to community resources
• Participating in Team Decision Making (TDM) meetings
• Facilitating ice breakers
• Assisting with coordination of regular appreciation events for Resource Families
• Determining eligibility for services
• Completing payment requests
• Maintaining documentation in both written and automated systems
• Providing monthly reports
• Attending trainings and all required meetings

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Considerable knowledge in principles and practices in the human services field, including knowledge of programs, social-economic trends, and behaviors that impact the delivery of human services; and State and local policies and procedures, laws, and regulations.

Demonstrated skills in advocating and counseling; administering individual and family assessments and interpreting results; Interviewing; Case management, including reporting and documenting; Oral/written communication; and conducting forensic interviews.

Demonstrated ability in understanding and interpreting policies, procedures, regulations, and laws; thinking critically; manage time effectively; make sound judgments; problem solve; and analyze, assess, and evaluate data.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in social work;
• Master's degree in social work is preferred;
• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in a human services field is also acceptable if it includes at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in the development of human behavior, child development, family intervention techniques, diagnostic measures, or therapeutic techniques, such as: (a) social work; (b) psychology; (c) sociology; (d) guidance and/or counseling; or (e) child development;
• One year of related experience.

• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

• Master's degree in Social Work
• Two (2) or more years of social work experience
• Advanced computer skills
• Knowledge of community resources available to clients
• Knowledge of best practices, reunification, Commonwealth's court system
• Experience with case management, crisis intervention, and strong oral/written communication skills
• Exceptional ability to identify, engage, and develop relationships with diverse clientele

With over 4,000 employees, the City of Richmond is an "Employer of Choice" among cities throughout the nation. The City strives to hire and retain employees who bring dedication and talent to the workforce. Offering a competitive, cost effective, and quality benefits package is one element of an "Employer of Choice".
The City offers a full range of benefit programs from initial hire through retirement. Please visit our Web site for details.