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

About the role

The Department of Social Services partners with families and communities to protect children, rehabilitate youth and move families to self-sufficiency so that Missourians can lead safe, healthy and productive lives. The 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
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Positions are classified as Associate Social Services Specialist, Social Services Specialist II, or Social Services Specialist III based on qualifications.

• Associate Social Services Specialist:
  • High School Diploma or High School Equivalent
  • 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
    • providing in-home family crisis intervention services
  • Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license
  • OR Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Social Work or a comparable human services field (substitutions allowed)
• Social Services Specialist II:
  • High School Diploma or High School Equivalent
  • 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
    • providing in-home family crisis intervention services
  • Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license
  • OR 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 the above professional experience
• Social Services Specialist III:
  • High School Diploma or High School Equivalent
  • 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
    • providing in-home family crisis intervention services
  • Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license
  • OR 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 the above professional experience
  • A combination of earned credit hours from an accredited college or university in 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 constitute over 50% of 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 as assigned
• 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, an interactive Total Compensation Calculator is available.