SW Regional Resource Unit Associate/Social Services Specialist (I/II/III)

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. This role involves completing home assessments, managing licensed resource homes, and providing support to families.

Responsibilities

• Completes home assessments on resource homes
• Manages licensed resource homes
• Provides continual support for assigned resource homes
• Records ongoing case activity and prepares all required reports
• Cooperates with other agencies in serving children and families
• Provides services which promote healthful child development
• Conducts studies and provides treatment services as ordered by a court or after referral by agency staff
• Interacts with law enforcement and juvenile officers, other public officials, and community organizations regarding family and children issues
• Attends court hearings and meetings related to assigned casework
• Maintains liaison with volunteers at the county level in coordinating the operation of a volunteer program

Requirements

• Necessary Special Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Social Work or a comparable human services field. (Substitutions allowed)
• The operation of a motor vehicle is an essential function of this classification. Must be able to legally operate a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties upon the date of hire and throughout employment.
• This position may also require travel throughout the entire state of Missouri.
• This position may require being on call.

Qualifications

• Social Services Specialist: A 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, and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.
• Social Services Specialist (II): A 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, and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.
• Social Services Specialist (III): A 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, and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.

Skills

• Excellent problem-solving and time management skills
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work a combination evening/weekend shift
• Availability to be in the “on call” rotation one weekend a month

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, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees.