Senior Social Services Specialist; IV

Job Location:
The position is based in Circuit 29 - Joplin, MO.

A person in this role must be able to work in whatever program area has a need and be able to carry more difficult cases. This position will assist with on call supervisor rotation as well as worker rotations. Must be able to do case consults, mentor new staff or assist staff that might need extra attention/support.

I ndividual(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,

• This position can be based in any program line and will be looked at as general Worker IV Position in the office.
• This position with also manage high profile and/or challenging cases.
• This position will serve in a leadership position within the office and the leadership team and continue to be on-call or back-up, whichever is most needed,
• This position may provide coaching and guidance to staff working the most challenging cases in all program areas, and support to other Children Service Workers.
• This position would also take on the role of assisting staff development at all levels, at the direction of leadership.

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalent
  and
  Nine 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

• One or more years
  of experience as a Social Services Specialist (III), Social Services Unit Supervisor or Senior Social Services Specialist with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System.

OR

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

(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)

• Ability to travel throughout the State of Missouri as needed
• Availability to be in the “on call” rotation one…