Associate/Social Services Specialist - MO CAN - Newborn Crisis Assessments

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. This position is responsible for completing Newborn Crisis Assessments involving infants who may be at risk due to caregiver substance use, medical concerns, environmental conditions, or other safety factors. The specialist works with families, hospitals, medical professionals, community partners, and other Children’s Division team members to assess infant safety, identify family strengths and needs, and coordinate appropriate services and interventions.

Responsibilities

• Conducts Newborn Crisis Assessments involving infants at risk due to caregiver substance use, medical concerns, environmental conditions, or other identified safety factors in accordance with Children’s Division policy and established timeframes.
• Interviews parents, caregivers, household members, medical professionals, service providers, and other relevant individuals to gather information necessary to assess infant safety and family needs.
• Assesses infant safety, caregiver protective capacities, family strengths and needs, and environmental factors to determine appropriate interventions and next steps.
• Collaborates with hospitals, medical professionals, other Children’s Division team members, and community partners to coordinate assessment activities, discharge planning, and services necessary to support the safety and well‑being of the infant.
• Conducts home visits, reviews relevant records and prior Children’s Division history, and gathers additional information necessary to complete a comprehensive assessment.
• Develops and coordinates safety interventions when safety concerns are identified and consults with supervisory staff regarding complex cases or situations requiring additional intervention.
• Identifies and connects families with appropriate services and community resources based on assessed needs, including medical care, substance use treatment, mental health services, parenting supports, and other family supports.
• Completes timely, accurate, and thorough documentation of assessment activities, contacts, observations, findings, safety concerns, services, and case decisions in accordance with Children’s Division requirements.
• Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings, case staffings, family meetings, court proceedings, and other collaborative activities as necessary, and maintains effective working relationships with families and professional partners.
• Performs other related work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate Social Services Specialist

• 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.
• Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.
• OR a 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 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.
• Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.
• 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.

Social Services Specialist (III)

• 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.
• Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.
• 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.

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 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 (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 as assigned.
• Ability to travel throughout the State of Missouri as needed.

Location

Base location – multiple locations are open for hiring: Circuits 9th, 43rd, 2nd, 19th, and 26th.

Pay

Individuals selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g., shift or time‑of‑service pay).

Schedule

• Combination evening/weekend shift may be required.
• Participation in an “on call” rotation as assigned.

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. An interactive Total Compensation Calculator is available to provide a comprehensive view of benefits and total compensation.