SW Region Resource Unit Associate/Social Services Specialist (I/II/III)

State of Missouri; Missouri; On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Missouri is seeking dedicated individuals for the Department of Social Services to support at-risk children and families. This role involves case management, collaboration with agencies, and providing essential services to ensure family stability. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in social services and a passion for helping others. Join a team committed to making a positive impact in the community.

Benefits

Defined pension plan

Generous leave and holiday time

Health insurance coverage

Qualifications

• Four or more years of experience in protective services.
• Bachelor's degree preferred in Social Work or related field.

Responsibilities

• Establish collaborative relationships with agencies serving children and families.
• Assist families to attain stability through casework.
• Represent Children’s Division during court hearings.

Skills

Problem Solving

Time Management

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work

Job description

Job Location: Base is negotiable within the Southwest Region of Missouri.

TheDepartment 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. If you want to be part of a great team working to make a difference, please come join us!

What you’ll do:

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with partnering agencies who serve children and families
• Assist families to attain and maintain stability through appropriate casework, home management or referral for more skilled counseling treatment
• Interacts with law enforcement and juvenile officers, other public officials, and community organizations regarding family and children issues
• Represent Children’s Division during court hearings and other meetings related to case work.
• Respond to the needs of children in their homes and throughout the community, providing transportation, if needed

All you need for success:

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate Social Services Specialist -

  AHigh School Diploma or High School EquivalentandFour or more yearsof professional experience with a public or private agency in the delivery of protective services, including casework/case management in: investigation of abuse or neglect; coordination of foster care, adoptions, and family centered services; treatment/rehabilitation; and/or providing in-home family crisis intervention services, and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.

  OR

  ABachelor’sdegree from an accredited college or university, preferably a degree in Social Work or comparable human services field. (Substitutions allowed)

• Social Services Specialist (II) -

  AHigh School Diploma or High School EquivalentandFive or more yearsof professional experience with a public or private agency in the delivery of protective services, including casework/case management in: investigation of abuse or neglect; coordination of foster care, adoptions, and family centered services; treatment/rehabilitation; and/or providing in-home family crisis intervention services, and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.

  OR

  ABachelor’sdegree from an accredited college or university, preferably a degree in Social Work or comparable human services field (Substitutions allowed);and,

  One or more yearsof professional experience with a public or private agency in the delivery of protective services, including casework/case management in: investigation of abuse or neglect; coordination of foster care, adoptions, and family centered services; treatment/rehabilitation; and/or providing in-home family crisis intervention services, and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.

• Social Services Specialist (III) -

  AHigh School Diploma or High School Equivalentand Six or more years of professional experience with a public or private agency in the delivery of protective services, including casework/case management in: investigation of abuse or neglect; coordination of foster care, adoptions, and family centered services; treatment/rehabilitation; and/or providing in-home family crisis intervention services, and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.

  OR

  ABachelor’sdegree from an accredited college or university, preferably a degree in Social Work or comparable human services field (Substitutions allowed);and,

  Two or more yearsof professional experience with a public or private agency in the delivery of protective services, including casework/case management in: investigation of abuse or neglect; coordination of foster care, adoptions, and family centered services; treatment/rehabilitation; and/or providing in-home family crisis intervention services, 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 work a combination evening/weekend shift
• Excellent problem-solving and time management skills
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Availability to be in the “on call” rotation one weekend a month.
• Ability to travel throughout the State of Missouri as needed

More reasons to love this position:

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 foundhere.

If you have questions about this position please contact:[e-mail]

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.