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

About the role

The Department of Social Services – Children’s Division cares for at-risk children and families by providing family preservation and reunification services, investigating allegations of abuse and neglect, and conducting foster care and adoption case management.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with partnering agencies who serve children and families;
• Aid families to attain and maintain stability through appropriate casework, home management or referral for more skilled counseling treatment;
• Interact with law enforcement and juvenile officers, other public officials, and community organizations regarding family and children issues;
• Represent Children’s Division during court hearings and other meetings related to case work.

Requirements

• Associate Social Services Specialist: A 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): A 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.
• Social Services Specialist (III): A 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.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably a degree in Social Work or comparable human services field (Substitutions allowed).
• One 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.
• A combination of earned credit hours from an accredited college or university in the preferred fields such as social work, family and child development, special education, psychology, sociology, or related behavioral sciences and experience described may substitute for the stated qualifications. 30 credit hours are equivalent to 1 year of experience.

Skills

• Excellent problem-solving and time management skills;
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills;
• Ability to work a combination evening/weekend shift;
• Availability to be in the “on call” rotation one weekend a month.

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. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees.

Pay

The pay range for this position is determined by the employee's experience, education, and certifications.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is flexible and may include evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.