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

job overview

job location: statewide – base will be determined by the applicant selected and office capacity.
we are hiring for daytime, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts. you have the opportunity to choose available core working hours. Children’s division team members are available 24/7. All shifts are currently open. This role will be required to be in the office during normal business hours until initial training is complete and to meet yearly training requirements/business needs.

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).

• conduct child abuse and neglect investigations in accordance with missouri law, children’s division policy, and supervisory direction.
• assess child safety, identify risk factors, and determine appropriate protective actions.
• build collaborative relationships with families, law enforcement, juvenile offices, medical providers, schools, and community partners.
• complete interviews, home visits, and investigations to gather information and make informed safety decisions.
• connect families with services and community resources when appropriate to promote child safety and family well‑being.
• maintain accurate and timely case documentation, reports, and assessments.
• represent children’s division during court hearings and multidisciplinary meetings.
• participate in ongoing training and professional development as part of the mocan response career pathway.
• perform other duties as assigned.

• valid driver’s license.
• availability to be in the “on call” rotation.

education: high school diploma or high school equivalent and four or more years of professional experience with a public or private agency in the delivery of protective services, including casework and 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 bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in social work or a comparable human services field (substitutions allowed).

education: high school diploma or high school equivalent and five or more years of professional experience in protective services in the same scope as required for associate and possession of valid vehicle operator’s license.

or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in social work or related field (substitutions allowed) and one or more years of professional experience in protective services in the same scope and possession of valid vehicle operator’s license.

education: high school diploma or high school equivalent and six or more years of professional experience in protective services in the same scope as needed and possession of valid vehicle operator’s license.

or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in social work or related field (substitutions allowed) and two or more years of professional experience in protective services in the same scope and possession of valid vehicle operator’s license.

note: lack of post‑secondary education will not be used as the sole basis for denying consideration to any applicant.

• ability to work a combination of evening and weekend shifts.
• excellent problem‑solving and time‑management skills.
• excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• 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. To help demonstrate the value of working for the state of missouri, we have created an interactive total compensation calculator.

This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The total compensation calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

cd-hr.gov