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

Job Location: This posting is for ROYALS; we have 1 opening in the Southwest Region. Base location is in Southwest Region. Travel may be required throughout the state. 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! Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably a degree in Social Work or comparable human services field. (Substitutions allowed) The ROYALS worker will work intensely with older youth to help improve their outcomes as they transition from foster care to independence. The worker provides hands‑on assistance with practical life skills such as educational attainment, housing, employment, permanent connections, community resources, healthcare, financial management, etc. to ensure every youth feels prepared to leave CD custody and become successful adults. ROYALS workers will approach their work with older youth with enthusiasm, empathy, excitement, and understanding. The ROYALS worker will guide youth on how to run their own FST meeting. Youth will be encouraged to run their own meetings and take charge of their future. Adolescent FST Guides and IAP goals will be completed in conjunction with the FST. Adolescent FST Guides will be thoroughly updated every 6 months. As needed updates will be provided throughout the 6 month timeframe. The ROYALS worker will work with the youth to complete, in‑depth, IAP goals reflective of essential life skills the youth needs or wants to learn prior to exiting care. The IAP goals will be updated with current goals and completion dates monthly. The ROYALS worker is available to youth on their caseload at all times; after hours and weekend contact will be provided in emergency situations. The ROYALS worker will ensure all youth have HCY, dental, and eye exams completed timely. FACES is expected to be up to date with all medical information, diagnoses, and informed consent at all times. The ROYALS worker will have contact with their youth 2-4 times monthly, at a minimum. Contact requirements are based on the individual needs of each youth. Credit checks will be run with youth once per year; this will be documented in the Adolescent FST Guide. The ROYALS worker will participate in case consults, as scheduled, with the ROYALS supervisor. All monthly contacts (e-mails, phone calls, text messages, in-person visits, etc.) will be entered by the end of the month. Social Service Plans will be completed each quarter for every youth. These will be thorough, include all pertinent information on the youth. The ROYALS worker will participate in weekly group staffings with the ROYALS team members. Cameras must be on, cell phones are on silent and not used unless there is an emergency, and full attention is given throughout the meeting. The ROYALS worker will begin exit planning with youth 1 year prior to their exit date. This planning with be revisited at 6 months, 90 days, and again at 30 days. Exit planning will include an in‑depth review of the Exit Packet. The ROYALS worker will complete the ROYALS Outcomes Checklist and the Exit Panning for Youth Leaving Care documents. OnBase uploads will be entered by the last working day of the month. All contacts will be entered by the last day of the month. ROYALS workers will prepare a Portfolio/Lifebook for each youth. ROYALS workers will utilize their Outlook calendars for all appointments; this will be up to date at all times. The calendar, with all details, will be shared with the ROYALS supervisor. ROYALS workers will attend, and bring youth to, the following events: Child Advocacy Day, MYLA, SYAB Youth Empowerment conference, and other events as identified by the supervisor or Older Youth Program Coordinator. ROYALS workers will take an active role in MYLA and MYLA graduation. Workers are required to chaperone youth throughout the event. ROYALS workers will provide needed transportation for youth. ROYALS workers will be well‑versed in older youth policies and resources. All policy requirements outlined in the CWM and/or CD memos will be followed. Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor or Older Youth Program Coordinator. Associate Social Services Specialist: High School Diploma or High School Equivalent andFour 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): 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 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): 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 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