Associate/Social Services Specialist (I/II/III)
Base location is St. Charles, MO. Alternate office space may be available for internal promotional applicants. Selected individual(s) may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g., shift or time-of-service pay).
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.
- Assist 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.
- Respond to the needs of children in their homes and throughout the community, providing transportation if needed.
- All other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license is required for all levels.
- 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.
- OR a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Social Work or a comparable human services field. (Substitutions allowed)
- 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:
- 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.
- OR a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Social Work or a comparable human services field (substitutions allowed) and one or more years of professional experience in the same areas.
- 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:
- 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.
- OR a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Social Work or a comparable human services field (substitutions allowed) and two or more years of professional experience in the same areas.
- 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:
A combination of earned credit hours from an accredited college or university in preferred fields (social work, family and child development, special education, psychology, sociology, or related behavioral sciences) and relevant experience may substitute for the stated qualifications. 30 credit hours are equivalent to 1 year of experience. Professional experience must constitute over 50% of the work time. Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis for denying consideration.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to work a combination evening/weekend shift.
- Excellent problem-solving and time management skills.
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Availability to be in the “on-call” rotation one weekend a month.
- 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 and total compensation, visit the Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources.