FAMILY SERVICE WORKER

Arkansas.gov; Monticello (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 protecting and supporting vulnerable children. In this vital role, you will investigate cases of suspected abuse, develop case plans, and provide essential counseling services. Your efforts will directly impact the lives of families in need, ensuring safety and support for children in crisis. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community while enjoying great state employee benefits, including a pension and paid holidays. Join a team committed to serving others and changing lives for the better.

Benefits

Pension

Maternity Leave

Paid State Holidays

Employee Care Programs

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, or related field required.
• Completion of agency core training class within six months is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Investigate child abuse and neglect complaints through site visits and interviews.
• Develop case plans and provide counseling to clients and families.
• Document case activities and prepare reports for court hearings.

Skills

Counseling Principles

Social Work Practices

Case Management

Investigative Techniques

Interviewing Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work

Bachelor's Degree in Sociology

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

Job description

Position Number: 44071059
County: Chicot; Arkansas; Drew; St Francis
Posting End Date: [[postingEndDate]]
Anticipated Starting Salary: $36,155.00
DCFS

Arkansas County (Stuttgart, Arkansas 72160); Chicot County (Lake Village, Arkansas 71653); Drew County (Monticello, Arkansas 71655); St. Francis County (Forrest City, Arkansas 72335)

(You will be able to choose your county when applying)

Requires a valid Arkansas Driver's License

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 childcare 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

1. Investigates suspected child abuse and neglect complaints by making on-site visits, securing background information, and interviewing parties involved.
2. Discusses investigative findings and observations with supervisor and recommends the opening of protective services, foster care, or supportive services cases.
3. 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.
4. Develops a case plan to establish goals, objectives, tasks, and time frames for all parties involved in the case.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Documents all case work activities and developments and prepares court reports for custody hearings and presents testimony when necessary.
8. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of the principles and practices of counseling, social work, and case management.
2. Knowledge of the principles, techniques, and methods of investigating.
3. Ability to evaluate family problems and develop a plan of action for improving relationships.
4. Ability to interview and obtain information.
5. 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 the 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.