Social Services Specialist

Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services•Holmes County, MS

About The Position

The Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS) is committed to protecting and nurturing Mississippi's at-risk children and families. Social Services Specialists at this level work under the supervision of higher levels to create and/or maintain a service plan throughout the duration of a case. The work includes performing assessments, coordinating services, potentially delivering direct services with community partners, and documenting relevant activities, actions, and contacts involved with a case. The position typically requires a bachelor's degree and 0–2 years of experience. The appointing authority may require a social worker's license.

Requirements

Typically requires a bachelor's degree and 0–2 years of experience.
The appointing authority may require a social worker's license.
Professional commitment to and care for clients and the child welfare profession.
Personal resilience and strong self-efficacy beliefs about the ability to work with clients to produce positive outcomes.
Efficient organizational and time management skills.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Positive work morale.
Flexibility in thinking and problem solving.
Realistic expectations about the difficulty and challenges of the work.
Ability to handle an often-unpredictable work environment.

Responsibilities

Create and/or maintain a service plan throughout the duration of a case.
Perform assessments.
Coordinate services and potentially deliver direct services with community partners.
Document relevant activities, actions taken, and contacts involved with a case.

Benefits

State health and prescription insurance, with single or family coverage options.
Wellness and health promotion program with annual benefits for certain services and no deductible.
Term life insurance coverage equal to two times annual salary, up to $100,000.
Optional discounted dental, vision, and cancer insurance may be offered by agencies.
Flexible spending accounts may be available for childcare and unreimbursed medical expenses.
Paid personal leave and sick leave; full-time employees accrue approximately 18 days of personal leave and 12 days of sick leave annually, beginning after one month of employment.
Military leave of 15 days per year for eligible employees serving in the armed forces or reserves.
Up to 10 paid holidays.
Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Retirement Program, with vesting after 8 years of employment and contributions from the employee and employing agency.
Voluntary deferred compensation retirement savings plans.
Eligibility to participate in the Mississippi Public Employees’ Credit Union.
Tuition reimbursement opportunities may be available through state agencies.
Career development training and professional development courses.
Promotional opportunities for employees with at least 6 months of service who meet minimum qualifications.
Career-ladder opportunities in many job classifications, based on competencies and subject to available agency funds.