Working with the Division of Youth Services is more than it seems. You will be working with staff to create a safe, therapeutic, and educational environment for youth in our day treatment and residential programs. To succeed in this position you will need to be empathetic, nonjudgmental, cooperative, encouraging, able-bodied, professional, and respectful; you must be able to communicate clearly, honestly and openly. Join us and help make the difference for our youth today!
The current rate for this position is $16.84 per hour. Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g. shift, or time-of-service pay).
Employees hired in this title are considered hourly/temporary and are not eligible for any benefits.
The following tasks are the responsibility of the Social Services Aide/Community Mentor:
 -  Transport youth (and possibly family) to school, job, doctor appointments, meetings, etc. in a state vehicle. 
-  Spend time with youth in developing constructive relationship, participating in recreational activities or otherwise h elping to provide structure and guidance. 
-  Provides extra contact for youth in high risk cases. 
-  Monitoring clients during home visits from facility. 
-  Serves as an appropriate role model and support system. 
-  Provide tutoring or academic assistance with schoolwork or homework. 
-  Assist client in securing employment. 
-  Assist supervisor in developing employment opportunities and/or community resources for youth/families. 
-  Contact service providers or community resources regarding behavior and attitude of client. 
-  Meet with supervisor on a regular basis and report information regarding client to supervisor. 
-  Maintain written log of client contact for documentation purposes. 
A valid driver's license is the only requirement for a SSA. Prior experience working with juveniles or college course work in the social science or criminal justice field is desired.
Examples of Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities -  Working knowledge of child development and the role of the family. 
-  Working knowledge of the general techniques of communicating with adolescent clients. 
-  Basic knowledge of the causes of juvenile delinquency and of current methods of treatment of juveniles. 
-  Ability to work with clients in an empathetic and understanding manner. 
-  Ability to communicate effectively with clients, family members and other treatment staff, and to explain the progress of the client. 
-  Ability to interact on a community level in a professional and responsible manner. 
-  A valid driver's license is required. 
Social Service Aide Expectations -  Maintain professional appropriate boundaries with clients. 
-  Monitor client attendance at school, home, job, GED, AA/NA meetings, etc. 
-  Develop resources as directed. 
-  Help families get in touch with necessary community resources. 
-  Be familiar with client's Individual Treatment Plan and assist as directed in completing the plan. 
-  Develop goals regarding clients, including contact type and frequency, with supervisor. 
-  Meet weekly (or as directed) with supervisor. 
-  Keep time sheet current and make available to supervisor as requested. 
-  Provide monthly reports of case load contacts to supervisor. 
-  Track hours and services provided to youth and families. 
-  Maintain confidentiality 
Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.
This is a part-time non-benefit eligible position working with youth and other staff to create a therapeutic and safe environment.
If you experience an accessibility issue while applying at mocareers.mo.gov, please contact courtney.a.hall@dss.mo.gov or call 573-526-0416. If you have questions about this position please contact: hrc@dss.mo.gov .