Senior Social Services Specialist (CSSP)

Job Summary - Why you’ll love this position

Location: Base location is negotiable

All internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply as there may be alternate office space available.

Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g., shift, or time-of-service pay). 

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 Senior Social Service Specialist provides statewide program, policy, and practice support for MO CAN Response within the Children’s Division. This position serves as a subject matter resource to field team members, supervisors, and leadership and supports the consistent implementation of policies, procedures, and best practices. The Senior Social Service Specialist assists with policy implementation, develops resources and training, supports specialized initiatives, and collaborates with internal and external partners to strengthen practice and improve outcomes for children and families. This description may not include all duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

Responsibilities - What you’ll do

·         Provide statewide program, policy, and practice support to MO CAN Response team members, supervisors, and leadership.

·         Assist with the review, interpretation, and implementation of policies, procedures, and practice guidance related to MO CAN Response.

·         Develop and maintain practice resources, including guides, forms, written instructions, practice alerts, documentation examples, staffing tools, informational materials, and intranet content.

·         Develop and provide specialized training, presentations, and ongoing learning opportunities related to MO CAN Response policies, procedures, and best practices.

·         Review case practice, documentation, forms, and program information to identify trends, areas of concern, and opportunities to improve consistency and strengthen practice.

·         Collaborate with Children’s Division programs, field leadership, multidisciplinary teams, community partners, and other stakeholders to support effective program operations and service delivery.

·         Serve as a subject matter resource and provide recommendations to leadership regarding program needs, practice improvements, and implementation of new initiatives.

·         Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications - All you need for success

High School Diploma or High School Equivalent and Nine 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

One or more years of experience as a Social Services Specialist (III) or Senior Social Services Specialist with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System. OR

Three or more years of experience as an Associate Social Services Specialist and/or Social Services Specialist (II) with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System. OR

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

(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)

Desired Skills:

• Ability to travel throughout the State of Missouri as needed
• Availability to be in the “on call” rotation as assigned
• Preferred qualifications
• For supervisory positions it’s recommended to include Training, certification, and/or education in leadership and continuous process improvement programs (e.g. Lean Six Sigma) is preferred.
• Must be able to legally operate a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties upon the date of hire and throughout employment.

Job Details - 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. 

Contact Details - If you have questions or require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process please contact:

[email protected] 

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing and maintaining a talented workforce.