Why you'll love this position:

Working with the Division of Youth Services is more than it seems. You will be working with staff to create a safe, therapeutic, and educational environment for youth in our day treatment and residential programs. To succeed in this position you will need to be empathetic, nonjudgmental, cooperative, encouraging, able-bodied, professional, and respectful; you must be able to communicate clearly, honestly and openly. We also offer a variety of great benefits including health, dental, vision, paid holidays, cafeteria plans, retirement, and more. Join us and help make the difference for our youth today!

What you'll do:

• Supervises, trains, and evaluates staff members of the treatment teams; supervises staff in the treatment process; and assists in training and career development activities.
• Serves as the "group leader" in guiding the group interaction process.
• Interacts critically and constructively with staff members to develop and implement successful treatment techniques.
• Assists in the oversight of an outdoor program, instructs youth in outdoor skills, and evaluates the application of such skills in scheduled activities.
• Communicates with court and community-based staff regarding each youth's progress, placement plans, and family issues; prepares reports regarding youth's progress, adjustments, and related matters.
• Keeps staff informed of significant behavioral conditions known about an individual and/or the group.
• Ability to work a variety of shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime; and the ability to respond to crises situations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• One or more years of experience as a higher level Youth Services Worker (Youth Specialist II) with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System; and possession of a high school diploma or high school equivalency, and a valid vehicle operator’s license. OR A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 15 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Counseling, Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Work; and, One or more years of professional experience in the treatment of juveniles which involved group or individual counseling techniques; and possession of a valid vehicle operator's license. OR A Bachelor’s degree and 1-3 years of youth treatment experience and/or relevant certification. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Special Requirement: Must possess a valid driver’s license

(24 Earned graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Education, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Work may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience at a rate of 30 earned credit hours for one year.) (Work experience in a residential treatment program which involved casework, group counseling, juvenile rehabilitation, probation and parole, and/or social work for youth {12-17 years of age} may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required degree.)

If you experience an accessibility issue while applying at mocareers.mo.gov, please contact courtney.a.hall@dss.mo.gov or call 573-526-0416. If you have questions about this position please contact: hrc@dss.mo.gov.

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.