Children & Youth Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Support Coordinator

(Family Services Specialist II)

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. About one-quarter square miles in the city have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Family Services Specialist II position.

An Overview

The Family Services Specialist II provides support and assists clients and their families in utilizing available resources to meet their personal, social, and psychiatric needs and empowers them to achieve independence and self-reliance. Employees in this class evaluate and assess client's strengths and needs. The incumbent works with individuals to help them develop treatment plans. This position provides support coordination (case management) services to individuals ages 3 to 22 who have a primary diagnosis of intellectual disabilities or developmental delays. The Therapist provides linkage to supports and services for individuals and their family or guardian. This position coordinates and monitors the implementation of various supports and services for the purpose of assisting the individual to live, work, and participate in recreational activities in the least restrictive environment. Work is completed under the general administrative and clinical supervision of a team leader or licensed staff member.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate should have knowledge of principles related to children and youth development, intellectual and developmental disabilities, case management/service coordination; ethics; confidentiality; consent; cultural competency, trauma informed services resource management and stewardship. Ability to assess individuals’ resources priorities and concerns in order to identify case management supports and services need; Ability to synthesize information for the purpose of problem identification and formulation of treatment plans; Ability to monitor delivery and quality of vendor supports and services; Ability to measure outcomes of services; Skill in facilitation, coordination advocacy and collaboration.

The Opportunity

• Conducts program intake interviews and eligibility determination assessments to determine individuals’ interests, preferences, and needed supports;
  
• Provides referrals and links to resources in the community;
  
• Coordinates and monitors the delivery and quality of treatment plan supports and services;
  
• Maintains appropriate documentation according to federal, state and departmental policy;
  
• Participates in various interdisciplinary team meetings for the coordination of continued care for individual and/or his/her representative;
  
• Facilitates the development of annual individualized support plans utilizing instruments of evidence-based practices and ensures that all Individual Support Plans (ISP’s) are written and implemented using person-centered concepts and are submitted in a timely manner;
  
• Facilitates the assessment of the need for authorized representatives for individuals without guardians identifies and maintains contact with authorized representatives;
  
• Advocates for the assignment of Developmental Disability Waiver slots and assists individuals/representatives in applying for government benefits;
  
• Conducts face to face visits with individuals at their day program, work site, or residence and accompanies individuals to medical, psychosocial and community-based appointments as needed;
  
• Responds to crisis intervention needs of individuals including referral and coordination;
  
• Provides supportive counseling and casework services to individuals, families and groups of consumers presenting with developmental, behavioral, or related problems that are referred by other human service agencies, schools or the court system;
  
• 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

Master's degree in Social Work; One year of social work experience at the level of Family Services Specialist I. Must possess a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

At least three years of case-management experience; At least one year of experience with children & youth; At least one year of experience with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; QIDP or QMHP credentialing eligibility. Bilingual in one of the three main foreign languages in Alexandria - Spanish, Amharic, or Arabic.

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: FBI/Federal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database;education/certifications; and driver’s license.

Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:30AM - 5:00PM, with some flexibility.