Associate/Social Services Specialist (I/II/III)

About the role

The Department of Social Services – Children’s Division is seeking individuals to join our team. This role requires being in the office during normal business hours until initial training is complete and to meet yearly training requirements/business needs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct child abuse and neglect investigations in accordance with Missouri law, Children’s Division policy, and supervisory direction.
• Affirmatively assess child safety, identify risk factors, and determine appropriate protective actions.
• Build collaborative relationships with families, law enforcement, juvenile offices, medical providers, schools, and community partners.
• Complete interviews, home visits, and investigations to gather information and make informed safety decisions.
• Connect families with services and community resources when appropriate to promote child safety and family well-being.
• Maintain accurate and timely case documentation, reports, and assessments.
• Represent Children’s Division during court hearings and multidisciplinary meetings.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development as part of the MoCAN Response career pathway.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• All Levels Below Require Valid driver's license.
• Availability to be in the “on call” rotation.

Qualifications

• Associate Social Services Specialist (I): High School Diploma or High School Equivalent and Four or more years of professional experience with a public or private agency in the delivery of protective services, including casework/case management in: investigation of abuse or neglect; coordination of foster care, adoptions, and family centered services; treatment/rehabilitation; and/or providing in-home family crisis intervention services, and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.
• Social Services Specialist (II): High School Diploma or High School Equivalent and Five or more years of professional experience with a public or private agency in the delivery of protective services, including casework/case management in: investigation of abuse or neglect; coordination of foster care, adoptions, and family centered services; treatment/rehabilitation; and/or providing in-home family crisis intervention services, and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license. OR Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably a degree in Social Work or comparable human services field. (Substitutions allowed)
• Social Services Specialist (III): High School Diploma or High School Equivalent and Six or more years of professional experience with a public or private agency in the delivery of protective services, including casework/case management in: investigation of abuse or neglect; coordination of foster care, adoptions, and family centered services; treatment/rehabilitation; and/or providing in-home family crisis intervention services, and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license. OR Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably a degree in Social Work or comparable human services field (Substitutions allowed); and, Two or more years of professional experience with a public or private agency in the delivery of protective services, including casework/case management in: investigation of abuse or neglect; coordination of foster care, adoptions, and family centered services; treatment/rehabilitation; and/or providing in-home family crisis intervention services, and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.

Skills

• Ability to work a combination evening/weekend shift.
• Excellent problem-solving and time management skills.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to travel throughout the State of Missouri as needed.

Benefits

• The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage.
• Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator.

Pay

• Pay details are not specified in the job posting.

Schedule

• Shifts are currently open and vary based on office capacity.