Family Services Worker I

Full Job Description

Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city.

Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications.

Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others.

With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself.

Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.

The City of Norfolk’s Department of Human Services (NDHS) provides a wide range of essential services to its citizens.

These services are crucial in supporting the wellbeing of the community and ensuring that all citizens have access to the resources they need.

NDHS is committed to providing such comprehensive support to its citizens.

The NDHS is seeking to fill a Family Services Worker I position. The Family services Worker I ensures services are consistent with state and local policies of preserving families and providing services in the least restrictive environments.

The Family Services Worker I serves as the required NDHS representative on the Community-Based LTSS Screening Team, conducting Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) screenings for adults and children.

This position ensures timely, accurate, and person-centered screenings for individuals seeking nursing facility care, CCC Plus Waiver, or PACE services.

Responsibilities include completing assessments, determining level of care, documenting in the electronic Medicaid LTSS Screening (eMLS) system, and collaborating with health department staff and physicians.

This role is field-intensive, with most of the time spent conducting in-home assessments. The worker is expected to complete an average of 3–4 LTSS screenings per day.

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Knowledge of Medicaid LTSS programs, CCC Plus Waiver, and PACE.
• Familiarity with UAI, eMLS system, and DMAS screening protocols.
• Proficient in electronic case management systems (eMLS, PeerPlace) and able to complete documentation within required timeframes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for person-centered engagement.
• Ability to interpret medical and functional criteria for NF level of care.
• Organizational skills to meet strict timelines and documentation standards.

Requirements

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

Conduct LTSS Screenings: Complete 3–4 face-to-face LTSS screenings per day in client homes to determine eligibility for Medicaid-funded long-term services and supports (CCC Plus Waiver, PACE, or nursing facility care).

Utilize the Uniform Assessment Instrument (UAI) and required DMAS forms and submit screenings in the eMLS system within required timeframes.

Perform Comprehensive Assessments: Evaluate functional capacity, medical/nursing needs, and risk for institutionalization.

Use various assessments to determine a client’s capacity and decision-making abilities. Respond to crisis situations and assess additional mental and/or physical health services.

Ensure and Document Safety: Assess client safety and identify risks of abuse, neglect, or exploitation during LTSS screenings and service planning.

When safety concerns are observed, document findings accurately and, when necessary, take photographs of the home environment or client condition to support referrals to Adult Protective Services (APS) or other appropriate entities.

Collaborate with Partners: Work closely with local health department staff, physicians, and other professionals during LTSS screenings. Coordinate with APS when safety concerns or service planning involve shared clients, ensuring continuity of care and compliance with state guidelines.

Provide Person-Centered Planning: Engage clients and authorized representatives in decision-making. Explain LTSS options and document choices. Assist in locating facility placement, implementing in-home services, and linking clients to community resources.

Support Financial and Service Access: Assist clients in applying for Medicaid, Auxiliary Grants, SNAP, and other benefits. Authorize payments for services and manage referrals to private vendors.

Maintain Accurate Documentation: Complete thorough and timely documentation of all contacts, assessments, and case actions in eMLS and agency systems. Prepare and maintain case files in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Safety: Follow NDHS safety protocols, including use of PPE when entering homes with sanitation concerns or environmental hazards.

Community Education and Outreach: Provide education to the community and facilities about adult abuse, neglect, exploitation, and available LTSS programs.

Other Duties as Assigned: Perform additional responsibilities to support NDHS Adult Services and APS programs as needed.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions: Must be able to tolerate exposure to strong odors, pests, clutter, and other environmental hazards during home visits.

Qualifications

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field and minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia). Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.

No experience required.

Additional Information

• Valid Driver's License may be required depending on assignment.
• Successful completion of State mandated training within the first 24 months of employment.
• Signing Bonus: This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus for new hires.