Social Services Specialist Jobs
Social Services Specialist jobs are open across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, and community advocacy groups, from entry-level case aide roles to senior program specialists and clinical coordinators, with specializations in child welfare, housing assistance, and mental health services. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 60+ Social Services Specialist jobs
Date: Sep 16, 2026
Req ID: 59796
Location:
Clinton, AR, US, 72031
Category: AR DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07
Position Number: 22111763
County: Van Buren
Posting End Date: October 5, 2026
The Social Services Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the safety, permanency, and well-being of Arkansas children and youth through quality case management. DCFS is committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. Through quality case management, engagement with families, and collaboration with community partners, the Social Services Specialist helps strengthen families, support permanency, and promote positive outcomes for children and youth.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Experience in working with children and/or families
- Some experience with community engagement or community resources
- Organizational and Time Management 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 child care 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
Job Summary
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.
Date: Sep 16, 2026
Req ID: 59796
Location:
Clinton, AR, US, 72031
Category: AR DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07
Position Number: 22111763
County: Van Buren
Posting End Date: October 5, 2026
The Social Services Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the safety, permanency, and well-being of Arkansas children and youth through quality case management. DCFS is committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. Through quality case management, engagement with families, and collaboration with community partners, the Social Services Specialist helps strengthen families, support permanency, and promote positive outcomes for children and youth.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Experience in working with children and/or families
- Some experience with community engagement or community resources
- Organizational and Time Management 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 child care 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
Job Summary
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.
Social Services Specialist Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsSocial Services Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- State of Arkansas16
- Department of Human Services9D
- State of Missouri4
- State of Colorado3
- BayCare Health System3
Top Industries Hiring
- Government & Public Sector
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in social services specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a closely related field
- Active state licensure such as LSW or LCSW depending on the role level
- Experience conducting client assessments and developing individualized service plans
- Proficiency with case management software and electronic health record systems
- Knowledge of local community resources, eligibility criteria, and referral procedures
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for home visits or field assignments
Tips for Your Social Services Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to each population
Social services employers hire for specific client populations, so a resume that highlights your child welfare experience won't land a housing stability role without adjustment. Reframe your case management language to match the population named in the posting.
List your licensure and certifications upfront
Hiring managers screen for licensure before reading anything else. Put your LSW, LCSW, or any state-issued certification in the header or a dedicated credentials line, not buried in a qualifications section where it's easy to miss.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists social services specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Search by funding source, not just job title
Roles funded by Title IV, TANF, or HUD grants have distinct eligibility and documentation requirements. Filtering by agency type or program name often surfaces openings that generic title searches miss entirely.
Prepare a caseload management example for interviews
Interviewers almost always ask how you prioritize competing client needs under a heavy caseload. Arrive with a specific example that names the number of active cases, the competing demands, and the outcome you produced.
Negotiate start date around mandatory training
Many government and nonprofit employers require multi-week onboarding academies before you touch a caseload. Ask during the offer stage whether training is paid, when the next cohort starts, and whether a delayed start is possible if the timing conflicts.
Social Services Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most social services specialists?
State of Arkansas, Department of Human Services, and State of Missouri are hiring the most social services specialists right now, with openings concentrated in Arkansas, Oregon, and Missouri, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. County government agencies and large nonprofit networks tend to post the highest volumes year-round.
How many social services specialist jobs are remote?
About 12% of social services specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, though field-based and home-visit roles remain predominantly in-person. Sub-areas with the most remote availability include benefits eligibility determination, care coordination for telehealth programs, and administrative case management roles that don't require direct client contact.
How do you become a social services specialist?
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology, or a related field, since most entry-level positions require it. Pursue internship or practicum hours during your degree to build direct client experience. Apply for state licensure once you meet the supervised-hours requirement in your state. Many specialists then pursue a master's in social work to qualify for clinical licensure and higher-level positions.
Can you get hired as a social services specialist with little or no experience?
Yes, entry-level social services specialist roles exist specifically for candidates who are new to the field, though you'll compete more effectively if you highlight internships, volunteer work at community organizations, or any experience working with vulnerable populations. County agencies and large nonprofits often hire recent graduates into structured cohort programs that include paid training, giving you a clear path in without prior paid experience.
What does the social services specialist interview process look like?
Most employers run a phone screen with a recruiter or HR contact, followed by a panel interview with a supervisor and one or two team members. Panel questions are typically scenario-based, asking how you'd handle a client in crisis, manage competing case priorities, or navigate a mandatory reporting situation. Some agencies add a written assessment or require you to complete a sample case note before the final offer stage.
Where can I find and apply to social services specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to social services specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that match your experience, licensure level, and preferred population, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background and goals.
See All 60 Social Services Specialist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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