Job Description

Position Number: 22100795
County: Washington
Posting End Date: April 10, 2026

The Social Services Specialist is expected to:

Be prepared to work non-standard work hours, which often include evenings, weekends and holidays; be on a 24-hour on-call rotation for up to 7 days at a time.

Operate a motor vehicle safely according to applicable laws at any time of day or night. Have reliable personal transportation; extensive in-state travel ability; maintain a valid driver’s license and current auto insurance.

Ability to work with families who are experiencing poverty, addiction, and/or some type of neglectful or abusive situation; to lift weight (i.e., picking up children) up to 50 lbs.; ability to transport children and adults, ability to deal with complex situations and problem solve those situations, ability to deal with stressful situations.

Preferred Qualifications

Formal education of a bachelor’s degree. In lieu of a degree, relevant professional experience may be substituted.

Experience working with children and/or families, some experience with community engagement or community resources. Public speaking and computer experience preferred. Organizational skills are a must.

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 childcare 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

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.