FAMILY SERVICE WORKER

Arkansas.gov; Newport (AR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Family Service Worker to provide protective care and support services for vulnerable children. This role involves investigating child abuse claims, developing case plans, and offering counseling to families in need. The ideal candidate will possess strong social work principles and problem-solving skills, ensuring the safety and well-being of children in challenging situations. Join a passionate team committed to making a difference in the lives of Arkansans, where your contributions will be valued and impactful. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to serve the community while enjoying great state employee benefits.

Benefits

Pension

Maternity Leave

Paid State Holidays

Health Insurance

Retirement Plans

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field required.
• Experience working with children and families preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigate child abuse and neglect complaints through on-site visits.
• Develop case plans and provide counseling to clients.
• Document case work activities and prepare court reports.

Skills

Counseling Skills

Social Work Principles

Problem Solving

Interviewing Skills

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: 22176085
County: Jackson
Posting End Date: 04/17/2025
Anticipated Starting Salary: $36,154.98
DCFS

Hiring Manager: April Stokes

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 - $52,425.00

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.