CPS In-Home Services Specialist

  • Virginia
  • Loudoun County Government
Welcome and thank you for your interest in employment with Loudoun County Government!

ALL SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE RESUME IS CONSIDERED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ONLY. APPLICATIONS THAT ARE INCOMPLETE OR INDICATE 'SEE RESUME' WILL NOT BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

Introduction Loudoun County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country, known for its excellent quality of life and strong economy while embracing its historic presence. Located 35 miles west of Washington DC, Loudoun County is known for its diverse blend of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities. The Department of Family Services' mission is to support individuals and families in the community to live their best lives while advocating for those most vulnerable and respecting their right to self-determination. Our vision is better health, safety, and well-being for all. We value and recognize the talents, efforts, and contributions of our employees, volunteers, and community partners. We commit to the Department's mission and values which operate as a system, reflecting and shaping our behaviors and organizational culture.

Job Summary The Department of Family Services (DFS) seeks a dedicated and energetic professional candidate for its CPS In-Home Services Specialist position. The successful candidate will join the Child Protective Services (CPS) team and a department with various functional areas that envision better health, safety, and well-being for all. This CPS In-Home Services Specialist position uses strengths-based and trauma-informed perspectives and evidence-based practices to stabilize and support families where child abuse or neglect has been substantiated, increase safety and protective capacity, and reduce risk of future harm by comprehensively assessing risks, safety, needs and strengths. This work is multifaceted, as outlined in its core responsibilities: Engaging parents/guardians to enhance their parenting skills and family functioning. Completing required home visits and documentation within the mandated time frames. Devising goal-directed service plans with parents/guardians. Coordinating and participating in family team meetings to address family crises and service needs utilizing a collaborative approach. Collaborating with community partners. Advocating for and referring families to appropriate community resources and supportive services. Assisting in emergency situations as needed. Participating in staff meetings, in-service training, and outside training for professional development. Preparing affidavits and testifying in court A CPS In-Home Services Specialist has the following:

Knowledge of child protection laws, rules, regulations and evidence-based practices in child welfare. Knowledge of family dynamics and functioning and human development. Ability to engage, interview, assess, counsel, and refer clients. Ability to assess child safety and risk using program-specific tools. Critical thinking skills in crisis to mitigate risky family situations. Ability to respond to complex family crisis situations. Proven success in a team environment. Excellent organizational and time management skills to meet mandated timeframes and shifting priorities. Excellent oral and written communication skills for engaging, interviewing, assessing, testifying, and documenting case records. Proficiency in electronic documentation. This position is eligible for a $3,000 hiring bonus in accordance with the County's Hiring and Retention Bonus Program. Hiring salary is commensurate with experience. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field; two (2) years of related work experience in a social service or child/adult welfare agency; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred:

Bi-lingual skills in Spanish and English

Job Contingencies and Special Requirements Successful candidates must be available for duty beyond the normal workday, which includes nights, weekends, and holidays, as required to perform the functions of the position. This position is considered essential personnel and will require reporting to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency (e.g., weather, transportation, disaster). May also be required to work and may be assigned to an alternate worksite(s) within the county to carry out duties that support operational needs. Job Contingencies: Must be able to pass pre-employment background checks to include criminal, credit, CPS, and DMV. Valid driver's license and good driving record (driving records may be reviewed annually for continued qualification).