Social Service Specialist

About This Role

This Social Service Specialist position supports statewide relative and fictive kin programming by assisting in policy and regulation development, providing guidance and oversight to providers, and offering policy direction on kinship practices across Kentucky.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance and consultation to DCBS staff, supervisors, and managers on programmatic areas including safety checks, service arrays, and subsidized permanent custody
• Review, provide feedback, and approve foster parent training curriculum
• Review complaints, conduct administrative reviews, and analyze case situations to determine appropriateness and quality of service related to kinship practices
• Represent the agency on committees, task forces, and seminars, both in and out-of-state
• Conduct in-person and virtual training on kinship practices for staff and community partners
• Review legislation and draft Standards of Practice (SOP) for program areas pertaining to kinship care
• Analyze data and management reports
• Develop Standards of Practice policy in accordance with Kentucky regulation and statute
• Monitor kinship program implementation and compile data and reports, identifying gaps and recommending improvements
• Travel and conduct work in person including speaking and presenting to small and large groups

Requirements

• Master's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field OR a bachelor's degree with five years of professional social work experience
• Three years of professional social work experience (or five years with a bachelor's degree)
• Experience completing Safety Check and Reviews
• Experience working with kinship families and explaining the service array
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Good time management and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently in a high pressure, fast-paced work environment
• A willingness to work as part of a team
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to travel

Qualifications

• A master's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field; A bachelor's degree supplemented by five years of professional social work experience will substitute for the primary education and experience requirements.
• Three years of professional social work experience. Substitute with five years of professional social work experience if holding a bachelor's degree.

Nice to Have

• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint and One Drive
• Subsidized permanent custody knowledge

Skills

* Required skills