Program Specialist

State-of-Missour; Missouri; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Social Services is seeking a seasoned professional to oversee project planning and policy development within Missouri’s child welfare and family services programs.

This role emphasizes cross‑functional leadership, analytical problem‑solving, and effective communication with staff, partners, and leadership. Experience in protective services and a valid driver's license are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 8+ years in protective services.
• Alternatively, 2+ years as Senior Social Services Specialist.
• Bachelor’s degree plus 4+ years of social services experience.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee project planning, timelines, and deliverables.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams and resources to meet objectives.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and mitigate accordingly.
• Maintain documentation and communicate status to stakeholders.
• Develop clear policies aligned with statute and regulations.
• Collaborate with experts to ensure policy accuracy and compliance.
• Lead meetings and guide groups toward shared goals.
• Provide expert consultation on operations and procedures.
• Assist with implementing new systems and improving workflows.
• Build relationships with external partners and coordinate joint initiatives.

Skills

Project management

Policy writing

Team leadership

Stakeholder communication

Analytical skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

High School Diploma or equivalent

Senior Social Services Specialist experience

Job description

Job Location: This position will have a negotiable base within the State of Missouri. This position will support both the Health Information/Psychotropic Medication Unit the General Alternative Care Program.

All internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply as there may be alternate officespace available.

Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential(e.g., shift, or time-of-service pay).

The Department of Social Services partners with families and communities to protect children, rehabilitate youth and move families to self‑sufficiency so that Missourians can lead safe, healthy and productive lives.

Are you passionate about helping people? Do you love working with children and families? Do you enjoy assisting people in difficult circumstances? The Department of Social Services – Children’s Division cares for at-risk children and families by providing family preservation and reunification services, investigating allegations of abuse and neglect, and conducting foster care and adoption case management.

Project Management

• Oversee project planning, timelines, and deliverables to ensure successful completion.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams and resources to meet project objectives.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Maintain clear documentation and communicate status updates to stakeholders.

Writing Policy and Procedure

• Develop clear, concise policies and procedures aligned with statute, regulation and best practice standards.
• Collaborate with subject‑matter experts to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Review and update existing policies to reflect current practices and regulations.
• Communicate new or revised policies effectively to staff and stakeholders.

Leading Groups

• Facilitate effective team collaboration and guide groups toward shared goals.
• Lead meetings, encourage participation, and ensure productive discussion.
• Provide direction, support, and accountability to team members.
• Build positive working relationships and promote a respectful, solution‑focused environment.

Providing Consultation

• Offer expert guidance to staff and leadership on operational, programmatic, and procedural questions.
• Assess needs and recommend effective solutions aligned with organizational goals.
• Support teams in interpreting policies, regulations, and best practices.
• Provide clear, actionable feedback to improve workflows and decision‑making.

Technical Assistance

• Deliver timely and accurate support to individuals and teams requiring specialized knowledge.
• Assist with implementing new systems, tools, or procedures to enhance efficiency.
• Troubleshoot issues and help users navigate complex processes.
• Develop and share resources, checklists, and training materials to build staff capacity.

Working With Outside Stakeholders

• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, agencies, and community organizations.
• Represent the organization professionally in meetings, collaborations, and joint initiatives.
• Communicate project goals, expectations, and updates clearly to outside stakeholders.
• Coordinate efforts across multiple groups to ensure alignment and support shared outcomes.
• Gather feedback from external stakeholders to strengthen programs, policies, and operational practices.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, agreements, and partnership requirements.

A High School Diploma or High School Equivalent and Eight or more years of professional experience with a public or private agency in the delivery of protective services, including casework/case management in: investigation of abuse or neglect; coordination of foster care, adoptions, and family centered services; treatment/rehabilitation; and/or providing in-home family crisis intervention services, and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license. OR

Two or more years of experience as a Senior Social Services Specialist (CSSP). OR

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (Substitutions allowed); and, Four or more years of professional or technical experience providing social services; or conducting investigations or audits of social service providers, recipients, and/or applicants.

(Additional qualifying experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis for deficiencies in the stated college education.)

(Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to travel throughout the State of Missouri as needed
• This individual should have strong written, oral and analytical skills with knowledge and experience related to child welfare issues.
• Candidate should possess strong organization skills and ability to complete tasks and projects autonomously

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.