This position is situated in the Pennino Building in Fairfax, Virginia, with the potential for weekly assignments at one of the Department of Family Services’ Regional offices in South County (Alexandria), Reston, or Annandale, Virginia.
Executes all responsibilities associated with the assessment of families’ eligibility for the Child Care Assistance and Referral (CCAR) Program. Conducts interviews with potential families to ascertain their childcare requirements. As mandated by established policies and procedures, documentary verification is requested. Evaluates and responds to all referrals from other units.
Assesses the necessity for additional social services and provides referrals when necessary. Offers referral information and childcare resources to community members who are in quest of childcare. Under the supervision of a Child Care Specialist III, responsibilities are executed.
Details:
- Salary: $50,839.78 – $84,732.96 Annually
- Location: FAIRFAX (EJ27), VA
- Job Type: FT Hourly W BN
- Job Number: 25-01111
- Department: Family Services
- Pay Grade: S18
- Posting Type: Open to General Public
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Duties:
- This specification contains illustrative responsibilities that are indicative of the class; however, they are not exhaustive. The position job description contains a comprehensive summary of the position’s responsibilities and distinctive physical requirements.
- Acquires, applies, elucidates, and interprets federal, state, and local policies for the benefit of clients, service providers, attorneys, the public, and other interested parties;
- Conducts client needs assessments to facilitate the establishment of appropriate referrals and connections to other services.
- Collaborates with clients to facilitate the collection of the necessary information to determine eligibility;
- May prepare written narratives to substantiate eligibility determinations, in addition to compiling and maintaining data and documents.
- Guarantees that applications are processed in a timely manner to satisfy the requirements of clients and adhere to program policies.
- Utilizes automated technology to document, acquire, and verify information in order to generate reports and authorize benefits and services for clients.
- Assists clients in acquiring the resources required to address emergency situations;
- Assists clients in obtaining services and coordinates these with other service providers as necessary.
- Manages and coordinates the involvement of clients in a diverse array of services;
- Engages in case staffings with other county staff or community organizations to evaluate and resolve the needs of clients;
- Prepares appeal documents and may represent the agency in administrative appeals lodged by clients.
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- (The knowledge, talents, and abilities outlined in this specification are a representative of the class, but they are not exhaustive.)
- Understanding of fundamental human behavior and social issues;
- Skill in the interpretation, application, and reading of program policies and procedures;
- Capacity to comprehend and implement federal, state, and local legislation that pertains to welfare reform and public assistance;
- Capacity to communicate effectively in both written and spoken form;
- Capacity to perform mathematical calculations;
- Capacity to effectively schedule, organize, and manage workloads in order to meet deadlines;
- Capacity to establish and maintain case records through the use of automated technology;
- The capacity to manage a high volume of client contact, high caseloads, competing priorities, and multiple deadlines, as well as computer systems.
- Capacity to establish and sustain effective working relationships with clients, colleagues, and other human service providers;
- Capacity to collaborate effectively with individuals from a variety of socioeconomic and cultural contexts, as well as those who are under duress;
- The capacity to uphold professional standards regarding client confidentiality; The capacity to deliver exceptional customer service; The capacity to collaborate effectively in a team setting; The capacity to remain adaptable.
Benefits:
1. Meaningful, Impactful Work
Human service workers support vulnerable populations including children, seniors, people with disabilities, and those experiencing poverty or mental health issues—offering a strong sense of purpose and community impact.
2. Competitive Salary
Salaries vary by state and employer, but human service workers typically earn:
- $35,000–$55,000+ per year (depending on experience, education, and specialization)
3. Growing Job Demand
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects above-average growth for roles in social and human services, driven by an aging population and increasing mental health awareness.
4. Health and Wellness Benefits
Full-time roles often include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Mental health support
- Wellness programs and employee assistance programs (EAPs)
5. Government and Nonprofit Job Security
Many jobs are within government agencies, nonprofits, or healthcare institutions, offering job stability and structured career paths.
6. Retirement and Financial Benefits
Eligible workers may receive:
- Pension or 401(k) plans with employer contributions
- Life insurance
- Paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays
7. Pathways for Career Growth
You can specialize in areas such as:
- Case management
- Substance abuse counseling
- Child welfare
- Disability advocacy
With further education or certification, you can advance to social worker, counselor, or program director roles.
8. Flexible Work Settings
Opportunities exist in:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Community centers
- Government agencies
- Remote or hybrid environments (for certain roles)
9. Tuition Assistance & Loan Forgiveness
Many human service workers qualify for:
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Tuition reimbursement from employers
- Scholarships for continuing education in social work or counseling
10. Multicultural and Inclusive Environments
The human services sector values diversity, empathy, and cultural competence, creating a welcoming environment for international professionals and bilingual workers.
Employment Standards:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training that is equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to discover how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from a four-year college or university that is accredited with a bachelor’s degree.
Some positions within this class may necessitate specific certification(s) prior to employment and/or the ability to obtain the necessary certification(s) within a specified time period following employment, depending on the area of assignation. The position description and employment advertisement specify the certifications.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
None.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The individual appointed to the position must successfully complete a criminal background check and a child protective services check.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- A degree in early childhood education, early childhood development, social work, or family studies from an accredited four-year college or university.
- I have exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
- Experience in early childhood development programs and/or working with low-income families.
- Capacity to operate in an environment with a high caseload and competing priorities.
- Capacity to establish and sustain effective working relationships with other human service providers.
- Recordkeeping, data entry, eligibility determination, and/or customer service experience for one year.
- Professional expertise in electronic scanning/filling systems and Microsoft Office suites.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Capacity to utilize automated technology. All responsibilities are executed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Exercise may be included in the panel interview.
The population of Fairfax County is highly diverse, with 38.7% of residents speaking a language other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others). We kindly encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply for this opportunity.
In the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce, Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status.
Individuals with disabilities are granted reasonable accommodations during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. EEO/AA/TTY. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
What is the average salary for a human service worker in the U.S.?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), human service workers earn between $35,000 and $55,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location.
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Do human service workers need to be licensed or certified?
Not always. Entry-level roles usually do not require licensure, but some employers may require certification (e.g., Certified Human Services Professional – CHSP). Social workers and counselors, however, do require licenses in most states.
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What does a human service worker do?
A human service worker assists individuals and communities in accessing services such as mental health support, housing, food assistance, rehabilitation, and crisis intervention. They often work under licensed professionals like social workers or counselors.
