Social Services Permanency Specialist; CSSP

Location:
Base location is negotiable. All internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply as there may be alternate office space available.

Location:
Base location is negotiable. 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). 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!

• Coordinates the evaluation and assessment of internal systems, procedures, practices, and outcomes; examines input from staff, and relationships and interactions between Children's Division and stakeholders.
• Oversees the identification of programs' needs, goals, available resources, challenges, strengths, and deficiencies to achieve improved delivery of services; participates in the development of recommendations and/or action plans detailing corrective actions, alternatives, and/or strategies.
• Provides specialized training to enforce or enhance performance of individual employees as needed and screens and prioritizes staff requests for placement of children into a residential rehabilitative treatment facility; coordinates and approves placement.
• Interacts with law enforcement and juvenile officers, other public officials, and community organizations regarding family and children issues.
• Attends court hearings and meetings related to assigned casework.
• Other duties as assigned.

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) or Senior Social Services Specialist with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System.
OR
Three or more years of experience as an Associate Social Services Specialist and/or Social Services Specialist (II) with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System.
OR
Bachelor's degree 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)

• Comprehensive knowledge of principles, practices, theories, and techniques of counseling and social service work used with families, children, parents, and individuals involved with adoption and foster care.