Senior Social Services Specialist (CSSP)

Job Location: The location is negotiable within the state of Missouri. The Children’s Division is seeking applications for the position of the Senior Social Services Specialist (CSSP) for the Quality Improvement Unit. DEFINITION This is professional work coordinating and implementing quality assurance/improvement programs, providing consultation regarding work methods and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards, or approving referrals and coordinating placement of children into residential rehabilitative treatment facilities for the Children’s Division of the Department of Social Services. The QA Specialist will be expected to work closely with regional, circuit and frontline staff on data analysis and practice and policy implementation issues. Additionally, this specialist will be part of the statewide quality improvement team structure. Individuals interested in this position should be enthusiastic, adaptable, detail oriented and comfortable working both independently as well as in a team environment. This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification. 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. Monitors programs and services to ensure continued effectiveness and efficiency, achieved objective, and maintained changes. Consults with community groups and individuals regarding quality assurance and improvement programs. Provides training, technical assistance, and consultation for Children’s Service Workers and/or Supervisors on various topics as assigned in geographic region; serves as a resource for staff. Consults with all levels of divisional staff regarding quality improvement activities. Analyzes the data collected and writes both technical and general reports summarizing results and making recommendations as directed for program/practice improvement. Assists in the development of policies and procedures relating to compliance standards, federal regulations and state statutes. Assignment and participation in field support Assist with the evaluation and assessment of internal systems, procedures, practices, and outcomes including reviews to assess data quality and improvement strategies. Exercises significant independence and judgment in the performance of responsibilities; receives general administrative direction. Performs other related work as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs) 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. Comprehensive knowledge of child welfare principles, methods, and current trends of social casework as applied in evaluation of services and treatment of clients. Comprehensive knowledge of court procedures and laws pertaining to the rights of families and children. Comprehensive knowledge of available resources which may be employed in the provision of social services. Comprehensive knowledge of child abuse and neglect or exploitation prevention strategies. Intermediate knowledge of research methods including design and controls, evaluation strategy and methodology, and statistical techniques. Intermediate knowledge of methods and practices to develop and implement organizational and procedural changes. Ability to work in a variety of situations and all types of community environments. Ability to develop, coordinate, implement, and review quality assurance/improvement programs for specialized child welfare services. Ability to design, plan, implement, evaluate, and monitor strategies for the delivery of effective programs and individual services. Ability to analyze and interpret data, and to effectively communicate findings. Ability to be sensitive to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics for the service population. Ability to work effectively with staff, agency clients, professionals, and the general public. Ability to prepare accurate and complete case records and reports. Ability to operate a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties. Ability to use automated office equipment and computer systems including child welfare/case management system, databases, and other personal computer applications. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT The operator of a motor vehicle is an essential function of this classification. Must be able to legally operate a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties upon the date of hire and throughout employment. Minimum Qualifications 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 A 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)) 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. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here. View email address on click.appcast.io The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr State-of-Missour