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

State of Missouri; Montgomery City (MO); In loco; USD 45.000 - 65.000; Tempo pieno

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The State of Missouri’s Department of Social Services – Children’s Division seeks qualified professionals for protective services roles in Missouri. These positions focus on safeguarding at‑risk children and supporting families through casework and community collaboration.

Ideal candidates have a combination of education and field experience in protective services, with strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Competenze

• High school diploma or equivalent with 4+ years in protective services or 5+ years for the II level, plus a valid driver’s license.
• Bachelor’s degree (preferred) in social work or related field with at least 1 year in protective services.
• Combination of earned college credits can substitute for the stated qualifications (30 credits ≈ 1 year).

Mansioni

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with partnering agencies serving children and families.
• Assist families to attain and maintain stability through casework, home management or referrals 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 related meetings.
• Respond to the needs of children in their homes and throughout the community, providing transportation if needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Conoscenze

Excellent problem-solving skills

Time management skills

Oral, written and interpersonal skills

Travel availability

On-call rotation availability

Formazione

High School Diploma or equivalent + 4+ years in protective services

High School Diploma or equivalent + 5+ years in protective services (II)

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field + 1+ year in protective services

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Job Location

Base location in the 12th Circuit - Montgomery County. 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).

Department Overview

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!

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• Associate Social Services Specialist: 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


• 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.

(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

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

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