Social Services Assistant

State-of-Missour; Cape Girardeau (MO); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total Compensation Calculator

Defined pension plan

Health insurance

Job summary

The Department of Social Services—Children’s Division is seeking a Social Services Assistant to support case management, coordinate visits, and maintain confidential client records. The role involves writing reports, assisting with home visits, and communicating safety concerns to caseworkers.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent; an associate’s degree or substitutions may be considered. Travel across Missouri is preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalent required.
• Associate’s Degree substitutions allowed; valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Arrange, transport, and supervise visits between children in out of home care and their families.
• Maintain case files and confidential client information both on paper and electronically.
• Write monthly activity reports with client progress and observations.
• Assist case managers during home visits and related activities.
• Notify caseworker of crises, safety concerns or negative changes in behavior.
• Provide paraprofessional coaching to foster positive family units.

Skills

Travel ability

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate’s Degree (Substitutions allowed)

Job description

Job Location: Position is located in Cape Girardeau County.

All internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply as there may be alternate office space 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 Servicespartners 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.

Why you’ll love this position:

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.

• Arrange, transport, and supervise visits between children placed in out of home care, their parents and siblings to promote and enhance the parent/child relationship.
• Maintain case file, correspondence and client confidential information in paper and electronic form.
• Write monthly reports of activities with clients, collateral contacts, client contact observations, client progress and functioning.
• Assist with gathering information and documentation including going with case managers in order to support them in completing home visits and other required case activities.
• Notify caseworker in the event of crisis, safety concerns, negative change in behavior or other observations.
• Provide paraprofessional services coaching clients to foster a positive family unit that is in support of the family’s case goals and plans.
• Offer instruction and guidance to parents on child development and child rearing techniques.
• Assist with activities of daily living that will include goal setting, planning and other related activities to manage a home and basic life skills.
• Provide support in the development of parenting skills, stress management, crisis management, and safety networks that can aid in the safety, permanency, and well-being of the children and family.
• Provide education for parents on how to access community resources.
• Conduct follow up contacts as directed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Social Services Assistant (I) -

High School Diploma or High School Equivalent and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.

• Social Services Assistant (II) -

High School Diploma or High School Equivalent; and two or more years of professional experience with a public or private agency in the delivery of protective services and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license. OR

An Associate’s Degree (Substitutions allowed) and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.

(A combination of earned credit hours from an accredited college or university in the preferred fields such as social work, family and child development, special education, psychology, sociology, or related behavioral sciences and experience described may substitute for the stated qualifications. 30 credit hours are equivalent to 1 year of experience. Professional experience as described must be of a substantial period of time (over 50% of time)).

(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

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.

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