Master Family Service Specialist Master Family Service Specialist

Introduction

The Delaware Office of Defense Services (ODS) is committed to ensuring that every person—regardless of income, background, or circumstance—treats fairly and respectfully in the justice system. As Delaware’s public defender agency, ODS protects constitutional rights, supports individuals and families during difficult moments, and works to strengthen trust and fairness across our communities.

This position oversees the ODS parental representation programs. The main functions of this position include coordinating and monitoring the delivery of professional social services to children, youth and families, or adult special populations and families to resolve problems involving client abuse, neglect, dependency, anti‑social behavior, exploitation and family dysfunction, which may include economically disadvantaged clients. This position will work in collaboration with the Parental Representation Division throughout the State of Delaware for individuals who have been justice involved.

The incumbent reports to the Parental Representation Program Coordinator. Principal contacts are with parents, managers, line attorneys, and staff throughout the office. Externally, the incumbent will have contact with the community program managers in other state agencies and third‑party providers. The ODS Master Family Services Social Specialist will be responsible for providing technical expertise to other staff as well as directly providing case coordination and counseling to children, youth and families, or adult special populations and families.

Incumbents work in program support, child protective, child mental health, youth rehabilitation or adult protective agencies. Employees are responsible for the development of service plans for the most unusual and complex cases and for serving in an advisory capacity to other staff in the development of plans. Incumbents interact with treatment facility staff, courts, community‑based organizations and private agencies regarding clients’ problems and progress.

An incumbent obtains case histories, prepares social assessments and determines eligibility for and availability of community resources encompassing multi‑faceted needs of the clients. Incumbents are required to review service and/or treatment plans periodically, assessing progress and making the necessary adjustments to accomplish goals. An incumbent may specialize in a particular area of service or have responsibility for a small program area not involving supervisory responsibility.

Employees may be required to assist the supervisor by overseeing the implementation of treatment plans by other staff. Securing client cooperation and developing effective interpersonal relationships and intervening in crisis situations are of major significance in this work.

• Knowledge of human behavior, behavior deviations and impaired family functioning.
• Knowledge of social, economic, psychological and health factors and the manner in which they may affect the social behavior of individuals and families.
• Knowledge of the principles, theories, methods and techniques of individual, group and family counseling.
• Knowledge of casework principles and practices used in the preparation of service/treatment plans and management of a varied caseload.
• Knowledge of agencies, services and resources available in the community.
• Skill in conducting interviews and investigations of a sensitive nature.
• Skill in applying the pertinent laws, regulations and policies.
• Skill in development of service/treatment plan.
• Skill in family counseling.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, their families, associates, social service representatives and the public.
• Ability to recognize the symptoms of maladjusted behavior.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to provide guidance and direction regarding case management.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Provides services to advocate for health, safety and welfare or rights of clients and their families and assists them in obtaining needed…