Associate/Social Services Specialist (I/II/III)
About the role
The Missouri Children’s Division MoCAN Response Team strengthens child safety with a specialized response. This role provides a structured career pathway, allowing team members to build foundational skills and advance into specialized child abuse and neglect roles as they gain knowledge and experience.
Responsibilities
- Conduct child abuse and neglect investigations in accordance with Missouri law, Children’s Division policy, and supervisory direction.
- 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.
Schedule
Daytime, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts are available. You may choose available core working hours. The role requires in-office presence during normal business hours until initial training is complete and to meet yearly training requirements or business needs. Availability for an "on-call" rotation is required.
Requirements
- Valid driver’s license.
- Professional experience in protective services, including casework or case management in one or more of the following areas:
- Investigation of abuse or neglect;
- Coordination of foster care, adoptions, and family-centered services;
- Treatment or rehabilitation;
- In-home family crisis intervention services.
Qualifications
Qualifications vary by level:
- Associate Social Services Specialist (I):
- High School Diploma or equivalent and four or more years of relevant professional experience; or
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Social Work or a comparable human services field.
- Social Services Specialist (II):
- High School Diploma or equivalent and five or more years of relevant professional experience; or
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Social Work or a comparable human services field, and one or more years of relevant professional experience.
- Social Services Specialist (III):
- High School Diploma or equivalent and six or more years of relevant professional experience; or
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Social Work or a comparable human services field, and two or more years of relevant professional experience.
Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis for denying consideration to any applicant.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to work a combination of evening and weekend shifts.
- 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.
- Eligibility for health insurance coverage.
For a comprehensive view of benefits, visit the Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources.
Pay
Selected individuals may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g., shift or time-of-service pay).