FAMILY SERVICE WORKER

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

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a compassionate Family Service Worker to provide protective foster care and supportive services for abused or neglected children. This role involves investigating suspected child abuse, developing case plans, and providing guidance to families in need. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, along with experience working with children and families. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families, this opportunity offers a chance to contribute meaningfully while working in a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, or psychology is required.
• Experience working with children and families is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigate child abuse complaints and recommend protective services.
• Develop case plans and provide counseling to clients.

Skills

Counseling

Social Work

Case Management

Public Speaking

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work

Bachelor's Degree in Sociology

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

Tools

Computer Software

Job description

Position Number: 44071058
County: Cleburne; Crittenden; Cross; Independence; Jackson; Poinsett; Stone; White; Woodruff
Posting End Date: [[postingEndDate]]
Anticipated Starting Salary: $36,155.00
DCFS

NOTE: This posting is being used for the following counties:

Cleburne (Heber Springs 72543); Crittenden (West Memphis 72301); Cross (Wynne 72396); Independence (Batesville 72501); Jackson (Newport 72112); Poinsett (Harrisburg 72432); Stone (Mountain View 72560); White (Searcy 72143); Woodruff (Augusta 72006). You will be able to choose your county when applying.

Requires a valid Arkansas Driver's License.

Special Work Conditions: The FSW is expected to: be prepared to work non-standard work hours including 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 experiencing poverty, addiction, and/or neglect or abuse; lift weights (i.e., picking up children) up to 50 lbs.; transport children and adults; deal with complex situations and problem-solve; and handle stressful situations.

Preferred Qualifications: Formal education of a bachelor’s degree. Experience working with children and/or families; some experience with community engagement or community resources. Public speaking and computer experience preferred. Organizational skills are a must. Experience cannot be substituted for a degree for any FSW position.

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 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 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 the 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 regularly to monitor progress toward case objectives. Documents all case work activities and developments, prepares court reports for custody hearings, and presents testimony when necessary. Performs other duties as assigned.

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 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.

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.