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

State of Missouri; Sedalia (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Missouri’s Department of Social Services seeks a Foster Care Case Manager based in the Pettis County office. You will advocate for safety, support families, and coordinate services for children in the child welfare system.

The role includes developing individualized case plans, assisting with reunification goals, attending court hearings, and maintaining confidential records. A valid driver's license and ability to travel statewide are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field preferred; substitutions allowed.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required for entry levels.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel statewide.

Responsibilities

• Assess the needs of children and connect them to services.
• Develop and implement individualized case plans for children and parents with a multidisciplinary team.
• Assist biological parents with achieving reunification goals.
• Ensure placements comply with guidelines and monitor child safety during home visits.
• Provide routine support and crisis intervention for foster families; coordinate court participation.

Skills

Evening hours

Time management

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Location: The position will be based at the Pettis County office in the FCS unit, regular travel is required.

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.

A foster care case manager performs many essential functions within the child welfare system. They advocate for and assure safety of children, guide biological parents, support relative and foster families, connect people to services, and participate in the court process. They play a critical role in promoting family reunification or securing other safe, permanent homes when needed.

• Assess the needs of children and connect them to services.
• Develop and implement individualized case plans for children and parents in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
• Assist biological parents with achieving reunification goals.
• Ensure children’s placements comply with child welfare guidelines, best-interest principles, and court requirements. Conduct in-home visits to monitor a child's safety and well-being.
• Provide routine support and crisis intervention for foster families when placement challenges arise.
• Facilitate communication and visitation between children in foster care and their biological families.
• Coordinate and facilitate family support team meetings, liaising between schools, community and healthcare providers, and legal representatives.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential client records, case notes, and specialized reports.
• Prepare legal documents, attend court hearings, and provide testimony regarding the child and family status.
• Assist in assuring safety of children served in other program areas as designated by agency leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Associate Social Services Specialist: A 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

A 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): 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. 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, 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): 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. 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.

(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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