FAMILY SERVICE WORKER

$36,155 - $57,668/Yr

State of Arkansas - West Memphis, AR

Full-time - Entry Level

West Memphis, AR

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Family Service Worker (FSW) position at the State of Arkansas involves providing protective foster care and supportive services for abused or neglected children. This role requires the worker to engage with families experiencing various challenges, including poverty and addiction, and to intervene in crisis situations. The FSW is responsible for investigating child abuse and neglect complaints, developing case plans, and coordinating with other professionals and agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of children.

Responsibilities

• Investigate suspected child abuse and neglect complaints by making on-site visits and interviewing involved parties.
• Discuss investigative findings with supervisors and recommend protective services or foster care cases.
• Intervene in crisis situations and arrange for temporary placements in foster homes or treatment facilities.
• Develop case plans with goals, objectives, and tasks for all parties involved.
• Provide counseling and guidance to clients and refer them to appropriate services or community resources.
• Recruit and train families for foster care, conduct home studies, and assess family situations for child placements.
• Document all case work activities and prepare court reports for custody hearings.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, or a related field.
• Knowledge of counseling, social work, and case management principles.
• Ability to evaluate family problems and develop action plans.
• Strong interviewing and information-gathering skills.
• Ability to prepare and present technical and confidential reports.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with children and families.
• Public speaking skills.
• Computer skills and ability to learn new software.
• Organizational skills.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Parental leave
• Pension
• Maternity leave