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

Job Location: Base Location is Jefferson City, MO. 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!

• 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 other duties as assigned.

• Associate Social Services Specialist
  :
  High School Diploma or High School Equivalent;
  Four or more years of professional experience with a public or private agency in the delivery of protective services (casework, investigation of abuse/neglect, coordination of foster care, adoptions, family-centered services, treatment/rehabilitation, or in-home family crisis intervention), and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license. OR Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Social Work or a comparable human services field (substitutions allowed).
• Social Services Specialist (II):
  High School Diploma or High School Equivalent;
  Five or more years of professional experience in protective services as outlined above, and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license. OR Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Social Work or a comparable human services field (substitutions allowed) and one or more years of professional experience in protective services.
• Social Services Specialist (III):
  High School Diploma or High School Equivalent;
  Six or more years of professional experience in protective services as outlined above, and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license. OR Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Social Work or a comparable human services field (substitutions allowed) and two or more years of professional experience in protective services.
• (A combination of earned credit hours from an accredited college or university in related behavioral sciences and experience described may substitute for the stated qualifications. 30 credit hours are equivalent to one year of experience. Professional experience 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 for denying consideration to any applicant.)

• 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.

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.

CD-HR.gov