SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES SPECIALIST

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 offers diverse cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.

Loudoun County Family Services is seeking a dedicated, energetic, and established professional candidate to assist with leading a Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigations and Family Assessments team as the Senior Child Protective Services Specialist. Core work hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including rotating on-call shifts to receive and validate referrals or respond to emergency family situations, as required. The CPS team will consist of a CPS Supervisor, this Senior CPS Specialist, and five (5) Family Services Specialists.

The successful candidate will be a part of a diverse department that envisions better health, safety, and well-being for all. The Department supports individuals and families in the community to live their best lives while advocating for those most vulnerable and respecting their right to self-determination. The Senior Family Services Specialist will serve as the lead worker providing technical guidance, support, and training to Family Services Specialists and supervision of interns on a dynamic team responding to the needs of our most vulnerable children and families.

Additionally, the successful candidate will respond to and provide emergency crisis intervention, investigate serious allegations of abuse or neglect (sex abuse, human trafficking, out-of-family investigations), and perform comprehensive assessments of children and their families as part of a team. This includes interviewing children, parents and guardians, and collateral contacts to determine risk and safety utilizing strengths-based and trauma-informed practices, as well as devising safety and service plans to assure child wellbeing while adhering to all federal, state, and local policies, procedures, and regulations, including completeness and timeliness.

The nature of this work is dynamic given the critical crisis responses and interventions to achieve the safety of children and youth. This position requires the individual to assist in maintaining a supportive work environment, with the ability to inspire and encourage productivity and teamwork amongst staff. Work is performed in a forward-thinking organization that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

The successful candidate will:

• Assist with training coworkers by explaining program policies and procedures.
• Serve as a supervisor in the supervisor's absence.
• Conduct and complete in-depth client assessments and/or investigations with minimal oversight.
• Develop individualized service plans for assigned cases and clinical case management, oversight, and therapeutic interventions to assist clients in achieving or maintaining the highest level of independence possible.
• Document clients' service histories as required using appropriate state and local case management computer programs to open, update, and close records.
• Provide courteous and timely customer service to County staff, vendors, citizens, and other visitors.
• Complete special projects as assigned, independently or as a member of a team.
• May perform other essential job functions specific to the position and department assignment.

We are seeking candidates with:

• Knowledge of social services systems for children, families, and adults which reflects trauma-informed and strengths-based philosophy and values.
• Knowledge of government structure, operation, and pertinent regulatory framework and functions.
• Knowledge of casework theory and practice and clinical work includes applying assessment, treatment, and case management services.
• Skill and ability to communicate effectively in understandable terms, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to lead and mentor staff and provide appropriate work guidance. Ability to understand, interpret, and apply policy appropriately in assigned areas.

Clinical supervision is available to eligible employees upon hire.

The hiring salary is commensurate with the experience. 

Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field (Master's degree preferred); three (3) years of related work experience in a social service field or child/adult welfare department; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred:

Bi-lingual skills in Spanish and English.

• Successful candidates must be available to perform work primarily evenings, nights, and scheduled weekends and holidays.
• This position is considered essential personnel and will require report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency (e.g., weather, transportation, disaster).
• Candidate 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. 

Successful candidates will undergo CPS, Criminal, and DMV checks. The candidate must possess and maintain a valid resident's driver's license.

Loudoun County Regular Full-time Employees are eligible for full benefits including but not limited to the following as a part of a total rewards package!

• Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Annual leave
• Sick leave
• Annual Paid Holidays
• Group Health Plan
• Group Life Insurance
• Exceptional Performance Recognition
• Credit Union Membership
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Education and Career Development