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

State of Missouri; Missouri; On-site; USD 48,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Missouri’s Department of Social Services – Children’s Division seeks professionals to join the MoCAN Response Team. The role focuses on strengthening child safety through structured investigations, accurate documentation, and coordinated support for families across Missouri.

Positions require training in protective services and the ability to travel statewide. Applicants should be prepared for in-office work during training and may advance within a defined career pathway.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 4+ years of protective services casework experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field (substitutions allowed).

Responsibilities

• Conduct child abuse and neglect investigations per Missouri law and policy.
• Assess child safety, identify risks, and determine protective actions.
• Build collaborative relationships with families, law enforcement, schools, and medical providers.
• Complete interviews, home visits, and investigations to gather information and make safety decisions.
• Connect families with services and community resources to promote safety and well-being.
• Maintain accurate case documentation, reports, and assessments.
• Represent Children’s Division during court hearings and multidisciplinary meetings.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development as part of MoCAN.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Valid driver's license

On-call availability

Problem solving

Time management

Oral and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Ability to travel within Missouri

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

Job Location: Statewide - Base will be determined by the applicant selected and office capacity.

We are hiring for daytime, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts. You have the opportunity to choose available core working hours. Children’s Division team members are available 24/7. All shifts are currently open.

THIS ROLE WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE IN THE OFFICE DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS UNTIL INITIAL TRAINING IS COMPLETE AND TO MEET YEARLY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS/BUSINESS NEEDS.

All internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply as there may be alternate office space available.

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!

As a member of the Missouri Children’s Division MoCAN Response Team, you’ll be part of a team to strengthen child safety with a specialized response. The MoCAN Response Team provides a structured career pathway, allowing team members to build foundational skills and advance into specialized child abuse and neglect roles as they gain knowledge and experience.

• Conduct child abuse and neglect investigations in accordance with Missouri law, Children’s Division policy, and supervisory direction.
• Assess child safety, identify risk factors, and determine appropriate protective actions.
• Build collaborative relationships with families, law enforcement, juvenile offices, medical providers, schools, and community partners.
• Complete interviews, home visits, and investigations to gather information and make informed safety decisions.
• Connect families with services and community resources when appropriate to promote child safety and family well‑being.
• Maintain accurate and timely case documentation, reports, and assessments.
• Represent Children’s Division during court hearings and multidisciplinary meetings.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development as part of the MoCAN Response career pathway.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

All Levels Below Require

• Valid driver's license.
• Availability to be in the “on call” rotation as assigned

Associate Social Services Specialist (I)

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.

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

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.

(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.
• 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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