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

Children’s Division

The Children’s Division is seeking multiple applications for the position of Associate/Social Services Specialist (I/II/III) in Circuit 38 (Christian County).

JOB DUTIES: Records initial and ongoing case activity and prepares all required reports. Refers families and children, when necessary, to other community resources or higher-level staff. Evaluates children's needs and eligibility for social services through personal and collateral interviews. Assists individuals in utilizing available agency and community resources. Delivers and/or coordinates protective services involving neglected, abused, or exploited children, foster care, parent services, and/or adoption. Cooperates with other agencies in serving children and families. Assists families to attain and maintain their stability through appropriate casework and home management or referral for more skilled counseling treatment. Provides services which promote healthful child development. Answers child abuse hotline, takes initial reports, and relays information. Performs studies of proposed foster and adoptive homes. Investigates, as directed, reports of neglect, abuse, or exploitation of children. Serves as the primary case manager when families are served by more than one departmental resource. Receives referrals from juvenile courts, Family Support Division staff, or other professional or private individuals in the community for protection and care of neglected, abused, or exploited children. Provides and/or coordinates services to parents, who neglect, abuse, or exploit their children, to help change behavior or methods of childcare. Conducts studies and provides treatment services as ordered by a court or after referral by agency staff. Evaluates the necessity for and facilitates placement of children from their home into temporary foster care when neglect, abuse, or exploitation situations make this necessary. Provides and/or coordinates, as directed, supervision and visitation to children in foster, adoptive, relative, or family care, or other placements. Provides consultation to foster parents and casework services to biological parents. Provides and/or coordinates casework services to parents to assist them in their personal adjustment and planning for their child. Interacts with law enforcement and juvenile officers, other public officials, and community organizations regarding family and children issues. Attends court hearings and meetings related to assigned casework. Maintains liaison with volunteers at the county level in coordinating the operation of a volunteer program. Performs work under close supervision, from a Social Services Unit Supervisor or higher level, as part of a training process to develop understanding and skill within the framework of agency rules, regulations, and procedures. Performs other related work as assigned.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The operation of a motor vehicle is an essential function of this classification. Must be able to legally operate a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties upon the date of hire and throughout employment.

• THIS POSITION MAY ALSO REQUIRE TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE STATE OF MISSOURI.

• THIS POSITION MAY REQUIRE BEING ON CALL.

QUALIFICATIONS:

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 Seven 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,

Three 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)).

Associate Social Services Specialist: $1,784.08 (semi-monthly)

Social Services Specialist (II): $1,939.14 (semi-monthly)

Social Services Specialist (III): $2,062.79 (semi-monthly)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,817.92 - $46,539.36 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Ozark, MO 65721: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person