SOCIAL SERVICES SPECIALIST

State of Arkansas; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Maternity leave

Paid state holidays

Job summary

The State of Arkansas is seeking a Social Services Specialist in Sebastian County to support safety, permanency, and well‑being of children and families through quality case management and client advocacy.

The role requires assessing needs, linking to community resources, maintaining records, and collaborating with partners to promote positive outcomes. DHS offers a pension, holidays, and competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree; experience working with children and/or families.
• Some experience with community engagement or community resources.
• Organizational and time management skills are a must.

Responsibilities

• Assess client eligibility and provide individualized case management.
• Develop service plans tailored to client needs.
• Conduct home visits, interviews, and risk assessments.
• Maintain detailed case records and documentation.
• Advocate for clients in legal, medical, and housing matters.

Skills

Community engagement

Time management

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Experience with children and/or families

Job description

Position Number: 22098644
County: Sebastian
Posting End Date: October 26, 2026

The Social Services Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the safety, permanency, and well-being of Arkansas children and youth through quality case management. DCFS is committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. Through quality case management, engagement with families, and collaboration with community partners, the Social Services Specialist helps strengthen families, support permanency, and promote positive outcomes for children and youth.

Preferred Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree, experience in working with children and/or families, some experience with community engagement or community resources. Organizational and Time Management skills are a must.

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Position Information

• Job Series: Social Services Programs - Career Path
• Classification: Social Services Specialist
• Class Code: SSP16P
• Pay Grade: SGS06
• Salary Range: $52,137 - $77,163

Job Summary

The Social Services Specialist provides case management, client advocacy, and program support for individuals and families in need. This role requires assessing client needs, connecting individuals to community resources, and maintaining compliance with social services policies.

Primary Responsibilities

Assess client eligibility and provide individualized case management. Develop service plans tailored to client needs. Conduct home visits, interviews, and risk assessments. Maintain detailed case records and documentation. Advocate for clients in legal, medical, and housing matters.

Knowledge And Skills

Knowledge of crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques Knowledge of Arkansas social service laws, policies, and regulations Ability to analyze client needs and create action plans Understanding of behavioral health and protective services

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of two years of work experience in human services programs or public service. Required to have a background check and child/adult maltreatment registry check.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A 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.