Family Service Worker

As a Family Service Worker at Youth Villages in Johnson City, your key responsibilities will include collaborating with the Department of Children Services to support youths in custody, monitoring case management for 15-20 cases, creating and overseeing permanency plans, and ensuring that all educational, medical, and dental needs for the children are met. You will also facilitate services flexibly to adapt to the families' schedules, document progress online, and participate in regular supervisory meetings to enhance your clinical skills.

To qualify for the Family Service Worker position at Youth Villages, you must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant social service discipline such as social work, psychology, or marriage and family therapy. Previous experience in case management, particularly with the Department of Children Services, is preferred. Moreover, excellent communication skills, a valid driver’s license, and a personal vehicle for work purposes are essential.

Family Service Workers at Youth Villages typically enjoy a flexible and non-traditional schedule tailored around the availability of families served. The role demands providing services in various settings, which may include the family’s home, schools, or courts. While the job does include an on-call rotation, the flexibility allows you to manage your time according to the needs of your cases.

As part of the Youth Villages team in Johnson City, Family Service Workers can expect a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan, generous paid vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, and mileage reimbursement. Additionally, there are opportunities for tuition reimbursement and continuous training to advance clinical and administrative skills.

Youth Villages is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, not only within its workplace but also in the services we provide to children and families. As a Family Service Worker, you will be part of training aimed at enhancing your ability to work effectively with diverse communities, ensuring that every child regardless of background receives fair support in the child welfare and justice systems.

When responding to this question, focus on specific case management roles you’ve held, detailing the number and types of cases you managed, your approach to supporting families, and any outcomes you achieved. Be sure to highlight your adaptability and problem-solving skills in challenging situations.

To answer effectively, share your strategies for organization, such as using digital tools or spreadsheets, maintaining a detailed calendar, and setting reminders for essential tasks. Highlight your ability to prioritize responsibilities while ensuring that each child's needs are met in a timely manner.

Building rapport is critical in your role. Discuss your approach to creating a connection, such as active listening, showing empathy, and being culturally sensitive. Share an example where your rapport significantly improved a family's engagement in the service process.

Share a specific experience where you encountered a difficult circumstance. Frame your response by outlining the context, the actions you took to address the issue, and the positive outcome that resulted from your intervention. This demonstrates your resilience and problem-solving skills.

This is an opportunity to show your knowledge of relevant policies. Prepare by reviewing DCS guidelines, their objectives, and how they impact your role as a Family Service Worker. Discuss your commitment to adhering to these policies to ensure the best outcomes for the children and families you serve.

Emphasize the importance of accurate and timely documentation in your answer. Discuss systems you’ve used for logging information, how you ensure compliance with legal standards, and the balance of documentation with maintaining a strong relationship with clients.

Discuss your methods for managing stress, such as engaging in self-care practices, seeking supervision or support from colleagues, and maintaining a work-life balance. Stress management is crucial in such roles, and showing awareness of this is valuable.

Describe how a family-centered approach supports better outcomes for children and youth. Explain how you involve family members in decision-making, recognizing their strengths and needs as critical components of effective case management.

Highlight your strategies for advocating for children’s education, such as collaborating with schools, actively participating in IEP meetings, and ensuring children have access to necessary resources. Discuss the importance of education in achieving positive long-term outcomes.

Express your passion for helping children and families, and how this aligns with the mission of Youth Villages. You can also share any personal experiences or values that drive your desire to make a meaningful impact through your work.