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

Job Location

Base Location is Bowling Green/Troy (Pike/Lincoln Counties).

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. The 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.

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with partnering agencies that serve children and families.
• Assist families to attain and maintain stability through appropriate casework, home management, or referral for more skilled counseling treatment.
• Interact 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 when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Associate Social Services Specialist – Requires a high school diploma or 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 the investigation of abuse or neglect; coordination of foster care, adoptions, and family‑centered services; treatment/rehabilitation; and/or in‑home family crisis intervention services, 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, and one or more years of professional experience meeting the same service criteria.

Social Services Specialist (II) – Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and five or more years of professional experience meeting the service criteria above, and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license. OR Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with one or more years of professional experience meeting the service criteria.

Social Services Specialist (III) – Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and six or more years of professional experience meeting the service criteria above, and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license. OR Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with two or more years of professional experience meeting the service criteria.

A combination of earned credit hours from an accredited college or university in fields such as social work, family and child development, special education, psychology, sociology, or related behavioral sciences may substitute for the stated qualifications. Thirty credit hours are equivalent to one year of experience. Professional experience described must be of a substantial period of time (over 50% of time).

Absence 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 participate 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. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be accessed at the state’s web portal.