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

Job Location

Base location: Clay County (Liberty), MO. The Clay County Children’s Division is seeking applications for the position of Associate/Social Services Specialist. This position may be focused on either investigations or alternative care.

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!

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with partnering agencies who 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 and 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.
• All other duties as assigned.

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).

• 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 investigations of abuse or neglect; coordination of foster care, adoptions, and family centered services; treatment/rehabilitation; and/or 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 in Social Work or a 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 investigations of abuse or neglect; coordination of foster care, adoptions, and family centered services; treatment/rehabilitation; and/or in-home family crisis intervention services, with a valid driver’s license.
  
  OR a 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 in protective services with a valid license.
• Social Services Specialist (III): A High School Diploma or High School Equivalent and six or more years of professional experience in protective services, including casework/case management; coordination of foster care, adoptions, and family centered services; treatment/rehabilitation; and/or in-home family crisis intervention services; and possession of a valid driver’s license. OR a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Social Work or a comparable human services field…