Senior Social Services Specialist (IV)

This position will be based at the Pettis County office in the CA/N unit. Regular travel is required.

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. This role involves working in various program areas as needed, managing high-profile and challenging cases, and serving in a leadership position within the office. Responsibilities include assisting with on-call supervisor rotation, providing case consults, mentoring new staff, and supporting staff development at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Assist with on-call supervisor rotation and worker rotations.
• Conduct case consults and mentor new or struggling staff.
• Manage high-profile and/or challenging cases across all program areas.
• Provide coaching and guidance to staff handling the most difficult cases.
• Support staff development at the direction of leadership.
• Travel throughout the state of Missouri as needed.
• Participate in the "on-call" rotation one weekend per month.

Requirements

• Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license; ability to legally operate a motor vehicle is an essential function of this role.
• Prior experience in case management is preferred.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and nine 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 in-home family crisis intervention services.
• OR one or more years of experience as a Social Services Specialist (III), Social Services Unit Supervisor, or Senior Social Services Specialist with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System.
• OR a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (preferably in Social Work or a comparable human services field) and five or more years of professional experience in the delivery of protective services as described above.

A combination of earned credit hours (30 credit hours = 1 year of experience) in fields such as social work, family and child development, special education, psychology, sociology, or related behavioral sciences and relevant professional experience may substitute for the stated qualifications. Professional experience must constitute over 50% of the required time.

Benefits

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package, including:

• A defined pension plan.
• Generous leave and holiday time.
• Eligibility for health insurance coverage.

For a comprehensive view of total compensation, including benefits, visit the Total Compensation Calculator.

Pay

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