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

State of Missouri, Butler, MO, United States


Job Location
27th Circuit – Base negotiable between Bates or Henry County. Individuals selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g., shift, or time-of-service pay).

Department Overview
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. The 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.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with partnering agencies that 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, 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.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Associate Social Services Specialist

High School Diploma or High School Equivalent plus four or more years of professional experience in protective services (case work/case management, investigation of abuse or neglect, coordination of foster care, adoptions, family‑centered services, treatment/rehabilitation, or in‑home family crisis intervention).

Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.

OR a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work or a comparable human services field (substitutions allowed).

Social Services Specialist (II)

High School Diploma or High School Equivalent plus five or more years of professional experience in protective services (case work/case management, investigation of abuse or neglect, coordination of foster care, adoptions, family‑centered services, treatment/rehabilitation, or in‑home family crisis intervention).

Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.

OR a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work or a comparable human services field (substitutions allowed) and one or more years of professional experience.

Social Services Specialist (III)

High School Diploma or High School Equivalent plus six or more years of professional experience in protective services (case work/case management, investigation of abuse or neglect, coordination of foster care, adoptions, family‑centered services, treatment/rehabilitation, or in‑home family crisis intervention).

Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.

OR a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work or a comparable human services field (substitutions allowed) and two or more years of professional experience.

(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. Thirty credit hours are equivalent to one 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 for 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.

Benefits
The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, the Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found on the agency’s website.

Contact: CD-HR@dss.mo.gov

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