Social Services Assistant

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

Job Location: Base can be in Howell, Oregon, or Shannon 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).

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.

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. If you want to be part of a great team working to make a difference,

• 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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