Missouri Department of Social Services
221 West High Street • P.O.
Box 1527 •
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1527
Division of Youth Services
The Missouri Division of Youth Services (DYS) is dedicated to recruiting and hiring quality staff committed to providing excellent services including assessment, care and treatment, and education of all youth committed to its care. The Division of Youth Services values a diverse workforce and individuals from all racial, ethnic, and cultural groups are encouraged to apply for DYS job opportunities. DYS is an EEO/AA Employer.
The Division of Youth Services within the department of Social Services uses the Missouri Merit System application process, managed by the Office of Administration, Division of Personnel (OA/PD). To be considered for a merit position, your name must be on a register. The first step in getting your name on the register is to complete and submit an Application for Employment.
When you apply for a job with a Merit System agency, it is important that you:
Upon receipt of your application, the Office of Administration, Division of Personnel (OA/DP) will determine whether you qualify for the job(s) for which you applied. If you qualify, you will receive a score based on your education and experience or you may also be required to take a written exam to receive a score. If you are required to take an exam, OA/DP will notify you of the Merit Exam Schedule and Merit Exam Testing Site. If you receive a score of 70 or higher, your name will be added to a register for the job classification. A register consists of a list of names, ranked in score order. Once your name has been placed on a register, you may be contacted for an interview when DYS has an opening. A competitive interview with DYS is used for the final screening of applicants.
If contacted and scheduled for an interview, you should bring a completed DSS Employment Application, a copy of your resume, a copy of your official college or university transcripts and any other job materials requested in the advertisement.
Yes. All staff directly responsible for the care and treatment of our youth are required to complete approximately 160 hours of in-house training within the first two years of employment. Staff who work indirectly with our youth also receive training but are not required to attend the entire 160 hours of in-house training.
The entry-level professional position within the Division of Youth Services is the Youth Specialist classification. The minimum qualifications require graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with specialization in criminal justice, education, psychology, sociology, social work or closely related areas. Relevant experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis. Visit the Office of Administration, Division of Personnel Job Specification for additional information regarding this position and the type of work performed by an employee in this classification at: http://www.oa.mo.gov/pers/ClassSpecs/5077.htm
Youth Specialists are usually assigned to work in one of the division’s 24-hour care facilities and may work any one of three shifts for forty (40) hours per week. Shift assignments and days off from work vary and are often rotated. Employees must be available for emergency situations and may be asked to work overtime on occasion.
Full time employees receive five (5) hours of sick leave per pay cycle (bi-monthly). Annual leave is accrued at the rate of five (5), six (6) and seven (7) hours per pay cycle depending on the employee’s tenure with the state. There are currently 12 paid holidays provided by the state. Other benefits include retirement, health insurance, deferred compensation, and a cafeteria plan.
For a complete listing of benefits offered to Department of Social Services’ employees visit: http://www.dss.mo.gov/hrc/benefits.htm
10/03/06