Critical Investigation Unit - Senior Social Services Specialist; IV

Job Location

One position is available in each of the following areas: the 36th, 37th or 42nd Circuit; the 8th, 15th, 16th or 43rd Circuit; or the 24th or 32nd Circuit.

This position is within the Children’s Division Critical Investigations Unit (CIU). The role is responsible for investigating reports of child abuse/neglect fatalities, near‑fatalities, and complex cases across a large regional geographic area.

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!

• Carry a caseload of investigative cases involving child abuse/neglect fatalities and near‑fatalities, including but not limited to cases involving homicide, internal injuries, skull fractures, subdural hemorrhage/hematoma, brain damage, dismemberment, and/or poisoning.
• Participate in an on‑call rotation while maintaining a teamwork‑oriented atmosphere within the unit.
• Manage high‑profile and/or challenging cases requiring sound judgment and emotional resilience.
• Attend court hearings, death review panels, and child abuse/neglect review boards, providing professional testimony and case updates.
• Interact, network and/or co‑investigate with multi‑disciplinary partners, which include but are not limited to law enforcement, juvenile offices, prosecuting attorney offices, victim advocates, child advocacy centers, children’s hospitals, medical services, State Assistance Technical Team (STAT), SAFE‑CARE physician network, forensic experts, medical examiners, forensic pathologists, public officials and community organizations.
• Prepare detailed reports and documentation that are accurate, timely, and thorough.
• Attend specialized trainings related to death‑investigation and child fatality casework.
• Travel regionally and occasionally statewide, which may require overnight stays.
• Perform other related work 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 for children including casework/case management of child abuse and neglect, homicide, fatalities and near‑fatalities.

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

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferably in Social Work, Criminal Justice or a comparable human services field is preferred; however, applicants with an unrelated Bachelor’s degree, but possessing direct relevant experience and/or competencies, may be allowed substitutions on a case‑by‑case basis and, Five or more years of professional experience with a public or private agency in the delivery of protective services for children including casework/case management of child abuse and neglect, homicide, fatalities and near‑fatalities.

• Extensive child abuse/neglect, homicide and child death and near‑fatal investigative experience, including responding to child death scenes, gathering evidence, obtaining photographs, deploying investigative‑minded casework, and interviewing involved parties.
• Be detail‑oriented, able to work independently, and proficient with computer technology.
• Maintain excellent organization, self‑motivation, and multitasking skills, along with strong…