FAMILY SERVICE WORKER

Arkansas.gov; Harrisburg (AR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate Family Service Worker dedicated to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families. This role involves investigating suspected child abuse, providing protective services, and developing comprehensive case plans to support families in crisis. Ideal candidates will possess strong counseling and social work skills, along with the ability to navigate complex situations with empathy and professionalism. Join a team that values its employees and offers great benefits, including a pension and paid state holidays, while you help create safer communities for Arkansas families.

Benefits

Pension

Paid State Holidays

Maternity Leave

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, or psychology required.
• Experience with community engagement and public speaking preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide protective foster care and supportive services for abused children.
• Investigate child abuse complaints and develop case plans.
• Document case work activities and prepare reports for custody hearings.

Skills

Counseling Skills

Social Work Principles

Case Management

Interviewing Skills

Problem Solving

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work

Bachelor's Degree in Sociology

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

Tools

Computer Skills

Job description

Position Number: 22102732
County: Poinsett
Posting End Date: 05/15/2025
Anticipated Starting Salary: $36,155.00
DCFS

Hiring Manager: Courtney Wilkinson

Special Work Conditions: The FSW is expected to: be prepared to work non- standard work hours which often include evenings, weekends and holidays; be on a 24 hour on-call rotation for up to 7 days at a time; operate a motor vehicle safely according to applicable laws at any time of day or night; have reliable personal transportation; extensive in-state travel ability; maintain a valid driver’s license and current auto insurance; ability to work with families who are experiencing poverty, addiction, and/or some type of neglectful or abusive situation; to lift weight (i.e., picking up children) up to 50 lbs.; ability to transport children and adults, ability to deal with complex situations and problem solve those situations, ability to deal with stressful situations.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in working with children and/or families, some experience with community engagement or community resources. Public speaking and computer experience preferred. Ability to learn new computer skills. Organizational skills are a must.

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Position Information

Class Code: M051C

Grade: GS06

FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT

Salary Range: $36,155.00 - $57,668.00

Summary The Family Service Worker is responsible for providing protective foster care and supportive services for abused or neglected children. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy. Functions Investigates suspected child abuse and neglect complaints by making on-site visits, securing background information, and interviewing parties involved. Discusses investigative findings and observations with supervisor and recommends the opening of protective services, foster care, or supportive services cases. Intervenes in crisis situations, removes the child from the home if the situation is life threatening, and arranges for temporary placement in foster homes, group homes, or treatment facilities. Develops a case plan to establish goals, objectives, tasks and time frames for all parties involved in case. Provides counseling and guidance to clients in defining their needs, interests, and courses of action and refers clients to other professionals, agencies, services, or community resources appropriate to clients' problems. Recruits and trains families, conducts home studies and family assessments to determine appropriate child placements, and visits clients and/or foster parents on a regular basis to monitor progress toward case objectives. Documents all case work activities and developments and prepares court reports for custody hearings and presents testimony when necessary. Performs other duties as assigned. Dimensions None Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of the principles and practices of counseling, social work, and case management. Knowledge of the principles, techniques, and methods of investigating . Ability to evaluate family problems and develop a plan of action for improving relationships. Ability to interview and obtain information. Ability to prepare, present, and review oral and written technical and confidential information and reports. Minimum Qualifications The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, or a related field; plus successful completion of a six month training class within agency core training period. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE. Licenses None

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.