Social Services Specialist - Sexual Abuse/Juvenile Assessments

Job Summary - Why you’ll love this position

Job Location: Northern Region, including Kansas City and St. Louis. The applicant chosen for this position will work within the Sexual Abuse, Juvenile Assessments, and Referrals Unit.

The base for these positions will be determined by the applicant(s) selected and office capacity. 

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). 

This position is responsible for conducting investigations and assessments involving reports of child sexual abuse, juvenile assessments, and identified referrals. Responsibilities include evaluating child safety, conducting comprehensive interviews, gathering and documenting evidence, and coordinating with Children’s Division staff and multidisciplinary partners to ensure timely, trauma-informed responses.

The investigator collaborates with law enforcement, medical providers, Child Advocacy Centers, prosecutors, schools, and other community partners to assess allegations, determine child safety, and coordinate appropriate services. This position requires sound professional judgment, strong investigative skills, and the ability to effectively engage children and families experiencing trauma.

Responsibilities - What you’ll do

• Conducts investigations and assessments involving allegations of child sexual abuse and juvenile assessments and appropriately handles identified referrals in accordance with Children’s Division policy and state law.
• Assesses child safety, risk, and protective capacities through interviews, observations, collateral contacts, and review of available records.
• Conducts developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed interviews with children, caregivers, alleged perpetrators, and collateral contacts.
• Coordinates investigations with law enforcement, Child Advocacy Centers, prosecutors, medical professionals, schools, and other multidisciplinary partners.
• Documents investigative activities, assessments, contacts, and findings accurately and within required timeframes.
• Develops and implements safety plans and coordinates services necessary to ensure child safety and family stabilization.
• Prepares reports, court documentation, and other required records; provides testimony during administrative and judicial proceedings as needed.
• Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings, case consultations, and staffing related to assigned investigations.
• Maintains current knowledge of Children’s Division policies, investigative practices, trauma-informed care, and relevant laws affecting child welfare investigations and assessments.
• Develops and maintains collaborative working relationships with internal staff and external community partners.
• Performs other related work as assigned.

Qualifications - All you need for success

Lack of post‐secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

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.