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

Job Location: Base is negotiable between Springfield, Lebanon, Versailles, and Eldon Missouri.

The 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, please come join us!

What you’ll do:

• Refers families and children, when necessary, to other community resources or higher-level staff.
• Evaluates each household member’s needs and eligibility for social services through personal and collateral interviews.
• Assists individuals in accessing available agency and community resources.
• Delivers and/or coordinates preventative services to identified families who are agreeable to services.
• Assists families to attain and maintain their stability through appropriate casework and home management or referral for more skilled counseling treatment.
• Provides and/or coordinates services with parents facing crises and whose children are at risk for abuse/neglect to facilitate behavioral changes or methods of childcare.
• Conducts studies and provides treatment services as ordered by a court or after referral by agency staff per policy.
• Interacts with law enforcement and juvenile officers, other public officials, and community organizations regarding family and children issues.

All you need for success:

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate Social Services Specialist -

A High School Diploma or High School Equivalent and Four 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

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

• Social Services Specialist (II) -

A High School Diploma or High School Equivalent and Five 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

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

One 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.

• Social Services Specialist (III) -

A High School Diploma or High School Equivalent and Seven 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

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

Three 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.

(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

• Excellent problem-solving and time management skills
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• This position may require availability to be “on call”
• 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 found here.

If you have questions about this position please contact: CD-HR@dss.mo.gov

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.