Job Location: Base location is negotiable 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. 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! This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification. JOB DUTIES The primary function of a Specialist in the Central Consult Unit is to answer calls in a call center setting from Children’s Service Workers who have assessed allegations on a Child Abuse/Neglect Report, determined the children to be safe, and are calling for a supervisory level case consultation. The Specialist would: · Serve as a member of the Central Consultation Unit; · Facilitate case consultation for Children’s Service Workers statewide; · Ensure quality of SDM safety assessments; · Make recommendations to field supervisors for employee performance and training needs; provide training as requested; · Ensure quality and consistency of service delivery, safety assessments, and policy compliance on a statewide level; · Document the case consultation and close the case for the Children’s Service Worker if the case is ready for closure; · Provide guidance on any needed next steps prior to case closure. This position requires the ability to multi-task, utilizing communication skills and multiple computer systems. CCU is open from 7:30 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am until 12:00 pm on Saturdays. Candidates’ regular work schedule will be dependent on current staffing needs and candidates must be willing to occasionally work outside of their normal work schedule to help maintain coverage. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs) Qualified candidates must exhibit the following: · Excellent customer services skills with thorough and positive communication skills. · Excellent interviewing skills. · Good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions. · Ability to plan and organize time effectively, including the ability to type during consultations. · Ability to work in a structured call center with limited schedule flexibility. · Comprehensive knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to social service programs. · Comprehensive knowledge of the general provisions, objectives, and philosophy of child welfare programs. · Comprehensive knowledge of current social, economic, and community health problems. · Comprehensive knowledge of community resources used in the provision of social services. · Ability to follow established laws, policies, and procedures with minimal supervision. EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION (The following minimum qualifications apply to applicant eligibility. Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate employees for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions.) (More specific qualifications may be required for particular positions allocated to this class depending on assigned duties and responsibilities.) One or more years of experience as a Social Services Specialist (III), Senior Social Services Specialist, or Social Services Unit Supervisor. 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 A Bachelor’s degree or higher level degree from an accredited college or university, preferably a degree in social work or comparable human services field; 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 graduate education from an accredited college or university in the preferred fields and experience described may substitute for the stated qualifications.) 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: [email protected] The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. TO APPLY: If interested in this position please apply through MO Careers and if you have questions about the position please contact Joanna Beckett or Amy Frederick Gaudette via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. . RECRUITMENT AREA: All qualified applicants APPLICATION DEADLINE: Deadline for applications is close of business.