Family Services Worker

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.

• 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, Peer Place) and able to complete documentation within required time frames.
• 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.

Department Hiring Salary Range: $54,190-$62,185

• 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 time frames.
• 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…