SW Regional Resource Unit Associate/Social Services Specialist (I/II/III)

Job Location: Base is negotiable within the Southwest Region of Missouri. 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). 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! Responsibilities Completing home assessments on resource homes, managing licensed resource homes, and provide continual support for assigned resource homes. Records ongoing case activity and prepares all required reports. Cooperates with other agencies in serving children and families. Provides services which promote healthful child development. Conducts studies and provides treatment services as ordered by a court or after referral by agency staff. 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. Maintains liaison with volunteers at the county level in coordinating the operation of a volunteer program. Performs work under close supervision, from a Social Services Unit Supervisor or higher level, as part of a training process to develop understanding and skill within the framework of agency rules, regulations, and procedures. Performs other related work as assigned. Special Requirements A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably a degree in Social Work or comparable human services field. (Substitutions allowed). The operation 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. THIS POSITION MAY ALSO REQUIRE TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE STATE OF MISSOURI.

THIS POSITION MAY REQUIRE BEING ON CALL.

Associate Social Services Specialist Requirements A 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: 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 Social Services Specialist (II) Requirements A 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: 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 A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferable a degree in Social Work or 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: 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. Social Services Specialist (III): A 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: 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 A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferable a degree in Social Work or 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: 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).

Preferred Qualifications Ability to work a combination evening/weekend shift Excellent problem-solving and time management skills Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills Availability to be in the "on call" rotation one weekend a month. 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. View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Missouri