Family Services Specialist I

Family Services Specialist I

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Family Services Specialist I position.

An Overview

The Family Services Specialist I will provide intensive social work services, crisis intervention and supportive individual and group counseling to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence. Assist clients in seeking alternative solutions to specific problems such as housing, health needs, parenting, management of finances, educational and vocational training, and employment. Utilize therapeutic techniques to assist clients in becoming aware of feelings, attitudes, and anxieties which inhibit resolution of their problems. This position works with residents in the domestic violence safe house and clients in the community.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate will have very good knowledge and understanding of domestic violence and trauma-informed advocacy; good knowledge of the principles and practices of social work; some knowledge of social, psychiatric, economic and health problems; some knowledge of early childhood development theory, principles and practices; some knowledge of community resources or the ability to readily acquire such knowledge; some knowledge of individual and group counseling techniques or the ability to acquire such knowledge; some knowledge of counseling techniques provided to clients with mental disorders, alcoholism, and/or drug abuse; ability to quickly assess and defuse hostile situations; ability to identify social problems and needs, and to assess the strengths and weaknesses of individuals and families; ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to work with others, collaboratively, toward attaining service goals for the client; ability to understand and interpret laws, policies, and regulations.

The Opportunity

• Provide a time-sensitive assessment of and response to immediate needs of hotline callers who have experienced or been impacted by domestic violence to help them return to pre-crisis levels of functioning. Services provided on the hotline include crisis intervention, support, safety planning, information, and referrals. The employee is expected to be available for on-call rotating shifts overnights and weekends.
• Provide 24-hour emergency crisis response providing individual and systems advocacy to victims of sexual/domestic violence for forensic examinations, related medical treatment and testing, police interviews and court proceedings.
• Provide case management and advocacy services for victims of domestic violence including locating and providing community resources and referrals and monitor client's access to the referrals and assist client when needed.
• Provide career services, such as career planning, counseling, resume assistance, vocational assessment, and job search assistance.
• Facilitate a weekly psycho-educational support group for victims of domestic violence.
• Act as a liaison between clients and other agency personnel and advocate for clients within all systems.
• Provide initial contact to domestic violence victims referred to the program by the Alexandria Police Department and/or the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office to inform them of the court process, civil remedies, sentencing alternatives and services.
• Prepare clients for trial through counseling, support and accompaniment, keep clients informed of case status and provide victims with court advocacy during all criminal and civil proceedings, including assisting victims file Protective Orders petition.
• Collaborate with Domestic Violence Unit Detectives, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys and Victim and Witness Program advocates.
• Work with pro bono attorneys and Legal Services of Northern Virginia to secure legal assistance and services for victims of domestic violence.
• Assist with other arrest, non-arrest and outreach client when need it.
• Provide leadership to and participate as an active member of the coordinating council, the Alexandria Domestic Violence Intervention Project.
• Make presentations to community groups, schools, and other professional groups.
• Serve on DCHS and community task forces to address specific issues and problems related to intimate partner violence.
• Maintain confidentiality of client files and information.
• Assist in training and provide guidance to program volunteers.
• Maintain case records and enter data into state-wide mandatory information systems program.
• Performs related work as required.

About the Department

The Center for Children and Families (CCF) provides programs and services for Behavioral Health, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, Child Welfare & Child Protective Services, Early Childhood and Youth Development. CCF provides compassionate, collaborative, and effective person and family-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety, recovery and resiliency for Alexandria children and all residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field and one year of relevant experience. Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of their residence if they are in a position with driving responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in social work or Human Services field. At least one year of experience working with Trauma Survivors (specifically Domestic Violence survivors); Flexibility in schedule to meet client and programmatic needs; Fluent & Bilingual in both English and Spanish preferred.

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: Criminal Background Checks (local and federal); Sherriff's Office Background Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Psychological; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; Education/certifications; and driver’s license.

Schedule :

• Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
• Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:00PM - 8:30PM

*This is a Bilingual, grant-funded position.*

*** Interview(s) may consist of some other job-related exercises***