Diligent Search Social Services Specialist (II/III)

Job Location: Base is located in Saint Louis County

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.

Why you’ll love this position:

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!

What you’ll do:

• Provide support to case managers by conducting diligent searches to locate parents and relatives of children in alternative care. Search activities include but are not limited to: interviews throughout the case with the child, the child’s parents, grandparents, adult siblings, relatives and any person who is likely to have information; comprehensive searches of databases; inquiries during court hearings; and use of any other reasonable means or sources of information.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations governing diligent search requirements.
• Partner with other agencies to develop and access effective and efficient searches and ensure CD is utilizing all available community-based and contracted services.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all search activities; providing reports as necessary.
• Attend court hearings to provide evidence related to search activities.
• Attend Family Support Team meetings to provide information related to search activities and ensure placement decision-making is informed by law and in the child’s best interests.
• Collect data and produce reports related to diligent search compliance and effectiveness.
• Make recommendations to improve diligent search processes and tools statewide.
• Educate/train/coach staff on diligent search requirements, best practices, and use of search tools.

All you need for success:

Minimum Qualifications

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 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.

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,

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.

(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)).

(Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis 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

More reasons to love this position:

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here .

If you have questions about this position please contact: CD-HR@dss.mo.gov

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.

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• State of Missouri

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