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

Base can be in Saline or Lafayette for Alternative Care. All internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply, as alternate office space may be available. 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. As a foster care case manager, you will advocate for and ensure the safety of children, guide biological parents, support relative and foster families, connect people to services, and participate in the court process. You will play a critical role in promoting family reunification or securing other safe, permanent homes when needed.

Responsibilities

• Assess the needs of children and connect them to services.
• Develop and implement individualized case plans for children and parents in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
• Assist biological parents with achieving reunification goals.
• Ensure children’s placements comply with child welfare guidelines, best-interest principles, and court requirements.
• Conduct in-home visits to monitor a child's safety and well-being.
• Provide routine support and crisis intervention for foster families when placement challenges arise.
• Facilitate communication and visitation between children in foster care and their biological families.
• Coordinate and facilitate family support team meetings, liaising between schools, community and healthcare providers, and legal representatives.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential client records, case notes, and specialized reports.
• Prepare legal documents, attend court hearings, and provide testimony regarding the child and family status.
• Assist in assuring safety of children served in other program areas as designated by agency leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications vary by position level:

• Associate Social Services Specialist: A High School Diploma or 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. Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.
• Social Services Specialist (II):
  • A High School Diploma or equivalent and five or more years of professional experience as described above, 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 as described above. Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.
• Social Services Specialist (III):
  • A High School Diploma or equivalent and six or more years of professional experience as described above, 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 as described above. Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.

A combination of earned credit hours from an accredited college or university in fields such as social work, family and child development, special education, psychology, sociology, or related behavioral sciences and experience may substitute for the stated qualifications (30 credit hours are equivalent to 1 year of experience). Professional experience must be of a substantial period of time (over 50% of time). 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 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.

Your total compensation extends beyond your paycheck. For a comprehensive view of benefits, visit the Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources.