This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
- Regional Family Specialist
- What will I be doing?
- Do I qualify?
- Can I be successful?
- Benefits
- How do I apply?
This is professional work in conducting family therapy sessions for families referred to the Division of Youth Services with the Department of Social Services.
Receives referrals of families from the juvenile courts, Youth Services staff, Children's Division, and the Family Support Division; assesses the families' need for therapy in an assigned region.
Schedules and conducts family therapy sessions with family members; develops and implements a therapy plan for each family; conducts follow-up evaluations.
Reviews video tapes of the family therapy sessions in order to evaluate behaviors, detect problems, and plan for the next session.
Assists in training of other agency staff in the area of family therapy; observes and evaluates their performance in therapy sessions.
Provides consultation to other staff who are involved in interaction with families.
Maintains caseload records and prepares reports regarding diagnosis, interventions used, and family progress.
Attends training sessions, conferences, and workshops on family therapy to keep abreast of current developments in the field.
Achieves objectives and maintains efficient operations; receives general supervision from a designated administrative supervisor.
Performs other related work as assigned.
(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility. Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement; no other substitutions will be permitted. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)
One or more years of experience as a Youth Group Leader and completion of 150 hours of training in family therapy provided by the Division of Youth Services or by an American Association for Marriage and Family therapy certified instructor, or completion of a training program of comparable length and content.
(A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Clinical Psychology, or Counseling Psychology may substitute for the required 150 hours of training in family therapy.)
OR
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or Education; and,
Two or more years of professional experience in rehabilitative work with juveniles or young adults, or family counseling; and completion of 150 hours of training in family therapy provided by the Division of Youth Services or by an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy certified instructor, or completion of a training program of comparable length and content.
(24 earned graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Guidance and Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or Criminal Justice may substitute on a year-for-year basis for a maximum of one year of the required experience.)
(A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Clinical Psychology, or Counseling Psychology may substitute for the required 150 hours of training in family therapy.)
Please note that documentation that supports your eligibility (i.e. transcripts, employment records, etc.) may be required at any time during the application and hiring process. If you do not possess the minimum qualifications, please consider one of many other employment opportunities with the State of Missouri.
Do you possess the key skills which are considered essential for successful employment in this classification?
Comprehensive knowledge of family dynamics and family development.
Comprehensive knowledge of the problems of delinquent youth.
Comprehensive knowledge of the counseling principles, theories, and techniques used with families and individuals.
Comprehensive knowledge of child/adolescent development and behavior.
Intermediate knowledge of laws pertaining to the rights of families and youth.
Intermediate knowledge of the Missouri Juvenile Court System.
Ability to conduct short term therapy with families.
Ability to utilize a systems approach in family therapy to evaluate and plan treatment.
Ability to diagnose the level and kind of dysfunction in a family unit and to develop and apply appropriate intervention techniques.
Ability to gain cooperation of families referred for therapy.
Ability to train others in family therapy.
Ability to prepare concise and complete case records and reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective cooperative relationships with delinquent youth, their families, agency staff, and other welfare and court system professionals.
The following link will provide you with general information about State of Missouri employee benefits.
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