SOCIAL SERVICES ADVISOR

Location: Alexander, AR (Saline County) • Anticipated starting salary: $47,693.96 • Posting ends September 1, 2026

About the role

The Social Services Advisor provides guidance, counseling, and education to youth and families involved in the juvenile justice system. This role involves assessing needs, recommending services, and advocating for clients in residential and aftercare settings across the state.

Responsibilities

• Review all Orders of Commitment and complete demographic background assessments with parents/guardians to identify youth needs both in custody and upon discharge.
• Conduct monthly in-person visits with youth on caseload (51–60 residential cases and 20–30 aftercare cases), requiring travel to 6–8 state sites and courts.
• Hold face-to-face visits with youth during assessment and phone calls with guardians to build strong relationships.
• Attend Treatment Team Meetings and provide information via the monthly Case Coordinator Questionnaire Form.
• Monitor compliance of treatment plan goals and complete monthly SSA Treatment Team Progress Reports.
• Review progress reports from contracted programs to assess youth’s progress and treatment needs.
• Coordinate, schedule, and attend meetings with providers as required.
• Maintain compliance with DYS/DCFS cooperation agreements and interdivisional requirements for DCFS youth.
• Attend DCFS staffings, assist with placement issues, and complete required placement applications.
• Obtain and review information for specialized treatment packets, including:
  • Adolescent Sexual Assessment Project (ASAP)
  • Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction (EJJ) packet
  • Interstate Compact packet (ICJ)
  • Dual custody staffing reports (DCFS)
  • Registration Risk Assessment (RRA)
• Complete and file an updated SAVRY assessment every six months with the courts.
• Review and submit discharge summaries and aftercare plans to committing courts.
• Track and initiate commitment order extensions when necessary.
• Contact courts for hearings or notifications regarding youth releases.
• Serve as a liaison with court officials, contracted programs, guardians, and stakeholders for youth cases.
• Address and report grievances or unmet youth needs to Quality Assurance.

Requirements

• Minimum of one year of work experience in human services programs or public service.
• Background check and child/adult maltreatment registry check required.
• Knowledge of Arkansas social service laws, policies, and regulations.
• Ability to analyze client needs and create action plans.
• Understanding of behavioral health and protective services.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication abilities.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Functions as a Juvenile Case Management Coordinator.
• Knowledge of the Juvenile Justice System and PREA Standards.
• Experience with SAVRY Re-Assessment Tools.

Skills

• Strong relationship-building with youth and families.
• Ability to manage a high caseload (51–60 residential + 20–30 aftercare cases).
• Travel across the state to multiple sites and courts.
• Coordination with multiple stakeholders (courts, providers, guardians).

Pay

Salary range: $47,397 – $70,148 (Pay Grade: SGS05)

Benefits

• Pension plan.
• Maternity leave.
• Paid state holidays.
• Additional state employee perks.