Family Services Assistant: Child & Community Support

State of Missouri; West Plains (MO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Missouri's Department of Social Services – Children’s Division seeks to hire Social Services Assistants to support family preservation and reunification services. Positions may require travel across the state and involve coordinating visits for children in out-of-home care, supporting case managers, and maintaining confidential records.

The role emphasizes safeguarding children, reporting, and providing parent education to improve family outcomes.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalent required.
• Two+ years of professional experience in protective services preferred.
• Associate’s Degree substitutions allowed for qualifications.
• Credit hours substitution: 30 hours ≈ 1 year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Arrange, transport, and supervise visits between children in care and their families.
• Maintain case files, correspondence, and client information (paper/electronic).
• Write monthly activity reports documenting client progress and contacts.
• Support case managers during home visits and required activities.
• Notify caseworker of crises, safety concerns, or changes in behavior.
• Help coach clients to foster a positive family unit and parenting skills.

Skills

Organizational skills

Documentation

Travel willingness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Two+ years protective services experience

Associate’s Degree substitutions allowed

Post-secondary education substitutions

Job description

State of Missouri's Department of Social Services – Children’s Division seeks to hire Social Services Assistants to support family preservation and reunification services. Positions may require travel across the state and involve coordinating visits for children in out-of-home care, supporting case managers, and maintaining confidential records.

The role emphasizes safeguarding children, reporting, and providing parent education to improve family outcomes.