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State of Missouri · 1 day ago

NE Diligent Search Social Services Specialist (II/III)

Missouri, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

1+ years exp

The State of Missouri is committed to protecting children and supporting families through its Department of Social Services. The Social Services Specialist (II/III) will conduct diligent searches for parents and relatives of children in alternative care, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations while collaborating with other agencies to enhance search effectiveness.

AgricultureGovernmentInformation Technology

Responsibilities

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 other duties as assigned

Qualification

Case managementProtective servicesSocial Work degreeDiligent search techniquesProblem-solving skillsTime management skillsInterpersonal communicationWritten communicationOral communication

Required

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

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

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

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