SOCIAL SERVICES SPECIALIST

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

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Maternity leave

Paid state holidays

Public sector benefits

Job summary

The State of Arkansas is seeking a Social Services Specialist to support children and families through case management, advocacy, and program services. This role involves assessing needs, coordinating with community resources, and ensuring compliance with social services policies.

Responsibilities include home visits, eligibility assessments, and developing tailored service plans while maintaining detailed records.

Qualifications

• Two years of work experience in human services or public service.
• Background check and child/adult maltreatment registry check required.
• Ability to work with families, provide case management, and comply with policies.

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

Crisis intervention

De-escalation techniques

Arkansas social service laws

Client needs analysis

Behavioral health awareness

Protective services knowledge

Job description

Social Services Assistants play an important role in supporting children and families involved with the Division of Children and Family Services (D CFS). This position provides direct support to families through transportation assistance, supervision of family time, and engagement with children and caregivers to help support safety, stability, and well-being.

Frequent in-state travel required – and this job will require mornings, evenings and weekends because flexibility to meet the needs of the family is a must.

This position requires flexibility to meet the needs of children and families, including frequent in-state travel and availability during mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed. Social Services Assistants must be able to lift 50 pounds, safely supervise and transport children of various ages, and support families through positive communication, professionalism, and dependable service delivery.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to work with all ages of children and adult clients including but limited to engagement on parenting and basic life skills, time management, strong communication and organization is preferred. Ability to work independently and collaborate with different community partners, agency staff and the families we serve.

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

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/AOTHER 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.