Self- Sufficiency Specialist III -Senior Employment Services Worker (Albemarle)

Job Summary/Objective:

Performs difficult, equitable, and complex professional work in accordance with established casework principles by supporting and assisting agency clients with personal, social, health, and economic needs. Empowers family/client to the highest level of self-sufficiency. Provides coaching and mentoring to staff. Requires little supervision. Works within an inclusive team environment as part of the Self-Sufficiency Team (SST). 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Essential Functions:

• Provides services of considerable difficulty in a specialized service area; works with and counsels clients; determines program eligibility;
• Prepares in-depth assessments in the formulation and delivery of service plans;
• Analyzes information received and makes decisions regarding treatment plans subject to final approval by the SST Program Manager;
• Counsels clients in planning budgets and regarding the care and training of children;
• Coordinates group activities with ancillary agencies such as clinics, employment services, and vocational rehabilitation services;
• Performs work with specific ancillary agencies and courts;
• Maintains records and reports through the course of clients' service relationships with the agency;
• Coaches, mentors, assigns cases, and evaluates work of subordinates;
• Interprets agency programs to other agencies, community groups, and associations;
• Performs related tasks as required.

Competency: Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• General knowledge of social, economic and health problems;
• General knowledge of social institutions and the methods of the helping process;
• General knowledge of individual and group behavior;
• Ability to identify social problems and needs and to assess the ability of individuals and families to utilize services in problem solving;
• Ability to accept the rights, responsibilities and differences of others;
• Ability to work effectively through counseling and other methods with individuals and families in helping them solve their problems;
• Ability to plan and organize work; ability to understand and interpret laws, policies and regulations;
• Ability to communicate and establish effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, other professional and technical staff, social agencies and the general public;
• Ability to prepare reports and maintain records;
• Ability to utilize PC and standard business applications and social services software.

Required Education and Experience:

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).
• Considerable experience in the assigned program area and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications/ Certifications:

• Possession of a BSW or MSW degree is desirable.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Administers work to the public typically in clients' home, often in remote rural areas.
• Frequent contacts with clients and coordination with other public and private agencies (i.e., school, courts, clinics, etc.) are required. 
• Involves frequent driving, walking, and standing. Must be able to assist physically dependent individuals.

Remote Work:

This role is designated as hybrid-eligible, allowing employees to perform a portion of their work remotely, in accordance with organizational policy and operational requirements. On-site presence may be required for meetings, collaboration, or business needs as determined by management. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Albemarle Core Values:

Albemarle County holds its employees to the highest standards in fulfilling the County's Vision and Mission. We believe in excellence in public service through

Community: We expect Diversity, equity and inclusion to be integrated into how we live our mission.

Integrity: We value our customers and co-workers by always providing honest and fair treatment.

Innovation: We embrace creativity and positive change.

Stewardship: We honor our role as stewards of the public trust by managing our natural, human, and financial resources respectfully and responsibly.

Learning: We encourage and support lifelong learning and personal and professional growth.