Associate​/Social Services Specialist; I​/II​/III

job location: base negotiable within grundy county

we are hiring for daytime, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts. You have the opportunity to choose available core working hours. Children’s division team members are available 24/7. All shifts are currently open.

this role will be required to be in the office during normal business hours until initial training is complete and to meet yearly training requirements/business needs.

all internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply as there may be alternate office space available.

individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g., shift, or time-of-service pay).

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.

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!

as a member of the missouri children’s division mocan response team, you’ll be part of a team to strengthen child safety with a specialized response. The mocan response team provides a structured career pathway, allowing team members to build foundational skills and advance into specialized child abuse and neglect roles as they gain knowledge and experience.

• conduct child abuse and neglect investigations in accordance with missouri law, children’s division policy, and supervisory direction.
• assess child safety, identify risk factors, and determine appropriate protective actions.
• build collaborative relationships with families, law enforcement, juvenile offices, medical providers, schools, and community partners.
• complete interviews, home visits, and investigations to gather information and make informed safety decisions.
• connect families with services and community resources when appropriate to promote child safety and family well-being.
• maintain accurate and timely case documentation, reports, and assessments.
• represent children’s division during court hearings and multidisciplinary meetings.
• participate in ongoing training and professional development as part of the mocan response career pathway.
• perform other duties as assigned.

• valid driver's license.
• availability to be in the “on call” rotation.

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

bachelor’sdegree from an accredited college or university, preferably a degree in social work or comparable human services field. (substitutions allowed)

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…