Social Services Specialist

Position Information

• Position Number:
• County: Craighead
• Posting End Date: 12/28/25
• Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.00
• Job Series: Social Services Programs - Career Path
• Classification: Social Services Specialist
• Class Code: SSP
  16P
• Pay Grade: SGS
  06
• Salary Range: $52,137 - $77,163

Leelinda Love

The Social Services Specialist is expected to: be prepared to work non‑standard work hours which often include evenings, weekends and holidays; be on a 24 hour on‑call rotation for up to 7 days at a time; operate a motor vehicle safely according to applicable laws at any time of day or night; have reliable personal transportation; extensive in‑state travel ability; maintain a valid driver’s license and current auto insurance;

ability to work with families who are experiencing poverty, addiction, and/or some type of neglectful or abusive situation; to lift weight (i.e., picking up children) up to 50 lbs.; ability to transport children and adults, ability to deal with complex situations and problem solve those situations, ability to deal with stressful situations.

The Social Services Specialist provides case management, client advocacy, and program support for individuals and families in need. This role requires assessing client needs, connecting individuals to community resources, and maintaining compliance with social services policies.

• Assess client eligibility and provide individualized case management.
• Develop service plans tailored to client needs.
• Conduct home visits, interviews, and risk assessments.
• Maintain detailed case records and documentation.
• Advocate for clients in legal, medical, and housing matters.

• 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.

• Preferred:
  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; in lieu of a degree, relevant professional experience may be substituted.
• Minimum of two years of work experience in human services programs or public service.
• Required to have a background check and child/adult maltreatment registry check.

N/A

May be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the Qualifications Review Committee.

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, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

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.