This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
This is entry-level social service work in the Children’s Division of the Department of Social Services providing protective services on behalf of children and families in instances of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
(The following minimum qualifications apply to applicant eligibility and 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 the assigned duties and responsibilities.)
A Bachelor’s or higher level degree from an accredited college or university. A degree in Social Work or comparable human services field is preferred; however, applicants with an unrelated Bachelor’s degree, but possessing direct relevant experience and/or competencies may be allowed substitutions on a case-by-case basis.
The operation of a motor vehicle is an essential function of this classification. Must be able to legally operate a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties upon the date of hire and throughout employment.
This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.
Attends training and observes higher-level Children’s Division staff to gain understanding and skill required to perform assigned duties.
Delivers and/or coordinates protective services involving neglected, abused, or exploited children; foster care; parent services; and/or adoptions.
Records initial and ongoing case activity, maintains case records, and prepares all required reports.
Refers families and children, when necessary, to higher-level staff or other community services.
Evaluates children’s needs and eligibility for social services through personal and collateral interviews.
Assists individuals in utilizing available agency and community resources.
Cooperates with other agencies in serving children and families.
Assists families to attain and maintain their stability through appropriate casework and home management or referral for more skilled counseling treatment.
Provides services which promote healthful child development.
Answers child abuse hotline, takes initial reports, and relays information.
Performs studies of proposed foster and adoptive homes.
Investigates, as directed, reports of neglect, abuse, or exploitation of children.
Receives referrals from juvenile courts, Family Support Division staff, or other professional or private individuals in the community for protection and care of neglected, abused, or exploited children.
Conducts studies and provides treatment services as ordered by a court or after referral by agency staff.
Evaluates the necessity for and facilitates placement of children away from their family home into temporary foster care when neglect, abuse, or exploitation situations make this necessary.
Provides and/or coordinates, as directed, supervision and visitation to children in foster, adoptive, relative or family care, or other placements.
Provides support to foster parents and casework services to biological parents in an effort to return the child to the family home.
Provides and/or coordinates casework services to parents to assist them in their personal adjustment and planning for their child.
Interacts with law enforcement and juvenile officers, other public officials, and community organizations regarding family and children’s issues.
Attends court hearings and meetings related to assigned casework.
Maintains liaison with volunteers at the county level involved in the operation of a volunteer program.
Conducts extensive field work including traveling to client homes, hospitals, alternative placements, court, and transportation of children.
Assigned on-call duty to handle after hours and weekend child abuse and neglect investigations.
Performs work under close supervision of higher-level Children’s Service staff as part of a training process to develop understanding and skill with agency rules, regulations, and procedures.
Performs other related work as assigned.
Introductory knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to social service programs.
Introductory knowledge of the principles and methods of social casework.
Introductory knowledge of individual and group behavior.
Introductory knowledge of the principles and methods of interviewing.
Introductory knowledge of the general provisions, objectives, and philosophy of child welfare programs.
Introductory knowledge of current social, economic, and community health problems.
Introductory knowledge of court procedures as they apply to the provision of children’s services.
Introductory knowledge of community resources used in the provision of social services.
Introductory knowledge of the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics for the service population.
Ability to plan and organize time effectively.
Ability to work in a variety of situations and all types of community environments.
Ability to satisfactorily complete an agency training course, in the protective service areas, to which the employee is assigned.
Ability to interact with and complete assignments in a manner sensitive to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
Ability to provide protective services to child welfare clients following established rules and procedures.
Ability to work effectively with employees, applicants, recipients, and the general public.
Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
Ability to interpret laws and regulations.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties.
Ability to use automated office equipment and computer systems including child welfare/case management systems, databases, and other personal computer applications.
Ability to communicate effectively.