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

Job Summary - Why you'll love this position

Job Location: This position is based in the 19th Circuit - Cole County - Jefferson City.

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.

A foster care case manager performs many essential functions within the child welfare system. They advocate for and assure safety of children, guide biological parents, support relative and foster families, connect people to services, and participate in the court process. They play a critical role in promoting family reunification or securing other safe, permanent homes when needed.

Responsibilities - What you'll do

• Assess the needs of children and connect them to services.
• Develop and implement individualized case plans for children and parents in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
• Assist biological parents with achieving reunification goals.

• Ensure children's placements comply with child welfare guidelines, best-interest principles, and court requirements. Conduct in-home visits to monitor a child's safety and well-being.
• Provide routine support and crisis intervention for foster families when placement challenges arise.

• Facilitate communication and visitation between children in foster care and their biological families.
• Coordinate and facilitate family support team meetings, liaising between schools, community and healthcare providers, and legal representatives.

• Maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential client records, case notes, and specialized reports.
• Prepare legal documents, attend court hearings, and provide testimony regarding the child and family status.
• Assist in assuring safety of children served in other program areas as designated by agency leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications - All you need for success

• Associate Social Services Specialist:
  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
  
  
  A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably a degree in Social Work or comparable human services field. (Substitutions allowed)
• Social Services Specialist (II):
  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, preferably 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, preferably 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 as assigned
• Ability to travel throughout the State of Missouri as needed

Job Details - More reasons to love this position

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.


Contact Details - If you have questions or require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process please contact:

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