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

Associate/Social Services Specialist (I/II/III)

Job Location:

Base is negotiable between Pike and Lincoln counties. All internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply as there may be alternate office space available. Individuals 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. If you are passionate about helping people, love working with children and families, and 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.

• 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, 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 if needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Associate Social Services Specialist I

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/case management in the 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).

Associate Social Services Specialist II

High School Diploma or High School Equivalent 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 the 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); and, one 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 providing in‑home family crisis intervention services, and possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.

Associate Social Services Specialist III

High School Diploma or High School Equivalent and six 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 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); and, two 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…