Social Services Advisor

Social Services Advisor

Position Number:  County:
Saline Posting End Date:
September 1, 2026 Anticipated Starting Salary: $47,693.96

Reviews all Orders of Commitment, completes a demographic background with the parent and/or guardian to begin identifying the youth's needs both in custody and upon discharge. The Social Services Advisor is required to make monthly visits with all the youth on their respective caseloads, which is approximately 51-60 cases residential, and then 20-30 aftercare cases that must be overseen while in the community.

This requires the SSA to travel to all (6-8) sites across the State, and to Courts across the state. The SSA is required to have face to face visits with the youth while in assessment and hold phone calls with the guardians. It's essential to build strong relationships with the youth and families. Attend Treatment Team Meetings. Provide information to all parties involved in the Treatment Team meeting with information through the monthly Case Coordinator Questionnaire Form.

Monitor compliance of treatment plan goals. Complete monthly SSA Treatment Team Progress Reports. Review progress reports from contracted programs to determine youth's progress and treatment needs. Coordinate, schedule and attend meetings with providers, as required or as directed. Maintain compliance with DYS/DCFS cooperation agreement and interdivisional on any DCFS youth as required. Attend DCFS staffing's as required and assists with any placement issues, and completing the required applications for placement.

Obtain and review information necessary for completing and submitting all regular and specialized treatment and required procedure packets for the following:
Adolescent Sexual Assessment Project (ASAP), Extended juvenile Jurisdiction (EJJ) packet, Interstate Compact packet (ICJ) prepare dual custody staffing reports (DCFS) and Registration Risk Assessment (RRA), Completes an updated SAVRY every six months that is filed with the courts. Review/submit discharge summaries and aftercare plan as a completed packet to the committing courts. Tracking and initiating commitment order extensions, when necessary, on youth.

Contacting the courts for courts hearings or notifications for a youth's release. Serve as a liaison with court officials, contracted programs, guardians, and any stakeholders for the youth's case. The SSA addresses and reports to Quality Assurance any grievances and issues regarding the youth's needs that are not being met by the program. The SSA is considered the "expert" of their cases and has to be pulled in many directions in making sure the youth are getting their needs met, especially with the rise of commitments of youth.

Within the last two years, the SSA's caseload has doubled due to the excessive increase in juvenile commitments.

Preferred qualifications:

This position functions as a Juvenile Case Management Coordinator. Knowledge of the Juvenile Justice System and PREA Standards. Knowledge of SAVRY Re-Assessment Tools.

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 s, 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.

Job Summary The Social Services Advisor provides guidance, counseling, and education to individuals and families receiving government assistance. This role involves assessing needs, recommending services, and advocating for clients in a variety of settings.

Primary Responsibilities Advise clients on available state resources and support programs. Conduct needs assessments and recommend interventions. Provide guidance on job training, financial aid, and social service programs. Assist in crisis intervention and family support services. Collaborate with caseworkers and service providers to enhance client outcomes.

Knowledge and Skills Excellent problem-solving and communication abilities. 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 one year of work experience in human services programs or public service. Required to have a background check and child/adult maltreatment registry check.

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,…