SOCIAL SERVICES SPECIALIST

Date: Dec 29, 2025

Req ID: 54857

Location:

Jonesboro, AR, US, 72401

Category: AR DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES

Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.00

Position Number: 22168947
County: Craighead
Posting End Date: 01/08/2026
Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.00
DCFS

Hiring Official: Lorie Hutto

Special Work Conditions: This position will be responsible for facilitating Team Decision Making (TDM) meetings for their assigned counties. A Team Decision-Making 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. TDM facilitators guide teams through a structured, solution-focused process. The meeting seeks to make a “live” decision or recommendation about if that child(ren) can be left in the home or if there is a serious threat and the child(ren)needs to be removed. 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 in-home 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 work experience in human services programs or public service. 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.