Title: Program Specialist #P0296

State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist II

Hiring Range: Up to $35 per hr. (commensurate with experience)

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: DSS HOME OFFICE

Agency Website: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

NOTE: This is an hourly/wage (P-14) position and Wage employees are limited to working a maximum of 1500 hours in a 365-day period. This position averages no more than 29 hours a week. Wage positions carry no benefits.

Program Specialist is responsible for gathering resources and developing training materials to support faith-based and community partners in addressing the challenges of substance use disorder (SUD) in their local communities.

Program Specialist implements the Faith Communities as Recovery Allies (FCRA) program in partnership with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to build the capacity of faith-based and community organizations (FCOs) to connect individuals to treatment, increase knowledge of SUD treatment and recovery, understand the continuum of care and how to collaborate with it, and implement best practice models.

The Program Specialist develops and delivers trainings for faith-based and community organizations with evidence-based curriculums related to child welfare, substance use, benefits (e.g. TANF, SNAP), and capacity building training.

The Program Specialist ensures that FCOs have the knowledge and tools to navigate VDSS resources and programs, assists with identifying new material, recommends updates to current information on the Faith and Community Initiative (FCI) website, develops materials and presentations that can be used to increase knowledge of the SUD treatment and recovery process, support prevention efforts, and increase community engagement. The work involves identifying and creating resources to assist faith-based partners in connecting individuals to SUD treatment and integrating their programs into the continuum of care.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience working with substance use disorder programs, gathering and analyzing information, preparing training content and materials and facilitate trainings and meetings.
• Knowledge of substance use, faith communities, VDSS programs, and peer recovery programs.
• Ability to listen and facilitate trainings and meetings, understand and apply requirements and program details to faith-based and community organizations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

Additional Considerations

Not applicable

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.

VDSS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional considerations as stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date.

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDSS offers excellent health and life insurance benefits, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short and Long Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching – Employee Benefits.

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

VDSS does not provide sponsorship.

This position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration will be in accordance with the Commonwealth’s Teleworking policy.

VDSS is an official certified state agency that values the service and experience of our Veterans. As such, Veterans are encouraged to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni also are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants, if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

If you have been affected by Policy 1.30 Layoff as a state employee and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Card (Blue Card), you must submit this document through the “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site when you apply.

Contact Information

Name: VDSS – Division of Human Resources

Phone: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

Email: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.