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

Job Location

Base location is negotiable between Kahoka and Memphis, Missouri. This position will be in the Alternative Care Unit. The position will require on-call for weekends and weeknights.

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.
• Interacts 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.

• Social Services Specialist (I)
  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.
• Social Services Specialist (II)
  Associate Social Services Specialist – 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.
• Social Services Specialist (III)
  Associate Social Services Specialist – 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.
• Bachelor’s Degree (Preferred)
  Substitutions allowed. 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.
• Bachelor’s Degree (Preferred)
  Substitutions allowed. 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.
• Combination of earned credit hours from an accredited college or university in preferred fields such as social work, family…