Social Services Specialist (4621210)

State of Missouri; Joplin (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Generous leave and holidays

Job summary

State of Missouri in Joplin, MO is seeking a dedicated professional to support seniors and adults with disabilities. The role involves conducting assessments, coordinating Home and Community Based Services, and developing care plans tailored to participant needs.

Travel across a multi-county area is required, with a focus on maintaining program integrity and representing DSDS in hearings. Bachelor’s or higher degree and RN/LPN licensure in Missouri are preferred qualifications.

Qualifications

• High level communication and interviewing skills.
• Ability to work independently and show initiative.
• Resilient with critical and innovative thinking.
• Detail oriented with strong documentation.
• Awareness of disability and cross-generational needs.
• Experience in customer service with elderly or disabled populations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial assessments and reassessments to help seniors and adults with disabilities remain in least restrictive environments.
• Coordinate HCBS program services (housekeeping, meals, health and personal care) with participants and providers.
• Develop and implement care plans addressing unmet needs with participant input.
• Travel within a multi-county area for home visits, hearings, and trainings.
• Maintain program integrity, operations, and success.
• Represent DSDS in administrative hearings.

Skills

Communication skills

Interviewing skills

Independent work

Resilience

Detail orientation

Disability awareness

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

RN/LPN license in Missouri

Job description

Job Location

1110 E 7th Street, Joplin, MO 64801

Why You’ll Love This Position

Do you want to be a part of a team that makes a difference in the lives of seniors and adults with disabilities? In this position as part of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, your work will contribute to the mission of promoting the health, safety and wellbeing of vulnerable Missourians. Are you interested in having weekends and holidays off and not being on call? Then this is the position for you! This position is in a supportive environment that values both teamwork and autonomy.

The salary indicated represents a base pay rate. If the individual selected or the position is eligible for a pay differential (e.g., shift, security, or years of service), it will be added to the total compensation in your paycheck. A pay differential does not raise your base pay.

• Conduct initial assessments/reassessments in accordance with all DSDS policy and regulations to enable senior and/or disabled adults remain in the least restrictive environment.
• Coordinate Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) program services such as housekeeping, meal preparation, health, and/or personal care by making/receiving contact with participants and providers to complete service authorizations
• Develop and implement a care plan that meets the participant’s unmet needs by making participant contact, collateral contacts and home visit(s), considering participant choice of providers
• Travel within a multi-county area to conduct home visits, attend hearings and training sessions, utilizing your personal vehicle when necessary
• Assume accountability and responsibility over the program's integrity, operations, and success
• Represent DSDS in administrative hearings

Minimum Qualifications

• High level communication and interviewing skills.
• Able to work independently and show initiative within a team environment.
• Able to be resilient, with critical and innovative thinking skills
• Bachelor's degree or higher level degree from an accredited college or university (relevant experience such as LPN, RN, or social service supports, etc. experience may be substituted for each year of required education)
• RN & LPN must be licensed and in good standing in Missouri
• Keen to detail and documentation
• Exhibit disability & cross-generational awareness
• Prior experience with customer service and working with the eldery, persons with disabilities or other vulnerable population is preferred

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One or more years of experience working with the elderly and or disabled population or other related human services field.

Lack of post‑secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

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.

Cassie Lewis, Regional Manager [e-mail] 573-441-5064