Social Services Specialist (SSP16P)

Date: Jun 25, 2025

Req ID: 49587

Location:

Augusta, AR, US, 72006

Category: AR DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES

Anticipated Starting Salary: $40,340.00

Position Number: 22102408
County: Woodruff
Posting End Date: 06/30/2025
Anticipated Starting Salary: $40,340.00
DCFS

Hiring Official: Lorie Hutto

Special Work Conditions: Family Service Worker Specialist position that is being filled to assist with implementation of Placement Stability Team Decision Making pilot program. This position will be responsible for facilitating both Initial and Placement Stability Team Decision Making (TDM) meetings for their assigned counties. An Initial TDM meeting is a facilitated meeting to determine if a child needs to be separated from their parent/primary caregiver due to the parent/primary caregiver behaviors that threaten a child’s safety. A Placement Stability TDM is held for youth in foster care to help stabilize their placement or plan for placement transition support. TDM facilitators guide teams through a structured, solution-focused process. TDM facilitators also engage community and service providers to secure community locations and determine what services and supports are available for families within the community.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in data entry and Children’s Reporting Information System (CHRIS) and Microsoft Office, Word, Outlook and Excel is preferred. Experience in assessing safety and completing child welfare investigations and/or monitoring protective services cases and/or foster care cases preferred. Ability and experience in scheduling and addressing medium to large groups and engaging in community stakeholders is also preferred.

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Position Information

Job Series: Social Services Programs - Career Path

Classification: Social Services Specialist

Class Code: SSP16P

Pay Grade: SGS06

Salary Range: $52,137 - $77,163

Job Summary

The Social Services Specialist provides case management, client advocacy, and program support for individuals and families in need. This role requires assessing client needs, connecting individuals to community resources, and maintaining compliance with social services policies.

Primary Responsibilities

Assess client eligibility and provide individualized case management. Develop service plans tailored to client needs. Conduct home visits, interviews, and risk assessments. Maintain detailed case records and documentation. Advocate for clients in legal, medical, and housing matters.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques Knowledge of Arkansas social service laws, policies, and regulations Ability to analyze client needs and create action plans Understanding of behavioral health and protective services

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of two years of social work experience. Required to have a background check and child/adult maltreatment registry check.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.