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

State of Missouri; Butler (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Missouri, Department of Social Services - Children's Division, seeks professionals to support at-risk children and families in Missouri. The role involves direct casework, protective services oversight, and collaboration with law enforcement and court systems to ensure safety and family stability.

Candidates should have a social work background or related field, plus relevant experience; the position requires flexibility for evening/weekend shifts and statewide travel

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field preferred; substitutions allowed as described in the posting.
• High School Diploma plus several years of protective services experience meets alternate tracks.
• Experience with court hearings, foster care, or family supervision is valued.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with partnering agencies serving children and families.
• Assist families to attain stability through casework, home management or referrals for counseling.
• Interact with law enforcement, juvenile officers, and public officials on family issues.
• Represent the Children's Division during court hearings and related meetings.
• Respond to needs of children in home and community, including transportation when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Problem solving

Time management

Oral communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

On-call availability

Travel across Missouri

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work

High School Diploma or equivalent

Social Services experience preferred

Tools

Valid driver’s license

Job description

Job Location: 27th Circuit - Base negotiable within Bates county

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

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.

Are you passionate about helping people? Do you love working with children and families? Do you enjoy assisting people in difficult circumstances? 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. If you want to be part of a great team working to make a difference, please come join us!

• 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;


• Interacts 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.


• Associate Social Services Specialist: High School Diploma or High School Equivalent andFour 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. OR

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably a degree in Social Work or 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, and possession of a valid vehicle operator's license. OR

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably a degree in Social Work or comparable human services field (Substitutions allowed); and, One 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): 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. OR

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably a degree in Social Work or comparable human services field (Substitutions allowed); and, Two 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.

(A combination of earned credit hours from an accredited college or university in the preferred fields such as social work, family and child development, special education, psychology, sociology, or related behavioral sciences and experience described may substitute for the stated qualifications. 30 credit hours are equivalent to 1 year of experience. Professional experience as described must be of a substantial period of time (over 50% of time)).

(Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis 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

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. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

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