Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois
Specialized Services Child Welfare Specialist
Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois, O'Fallon, Illinois, United States
Overview
JOB TITLE:
Specialized Services Child Welfare Specialist (S-CWS) REPORTS TO:
Specialized Services Program Manager STATUS:
Full Time, Exempt Salary Range:
51,336 - 56,336 Office Location:
The office location will be based on the office nearest to the candidate’s residency. Travel is required across the 102 IL counties. Opportunities currently available in O'Fallon and Mt. Vernon. Benefits:
Click Here to view LCFS’ Full-Time Employee Benefits. What We Do Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois improves the well-being of people across the state by protecting children, strengthening families and building futures for those who have experienced trauma. LCFS is a welcoming organization serving children, individuals, families and communities of all faiths, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender expressions and gender identifications. Who We Are Champions in supporting children, youth and families throughout Illinois so they are able to reach their full potential Dynamic and innovative leaders who believe in collaboration with their team of professionals and are revolutionizing the impact on services to families A community which embraces and is committed to being WIDE (welcoming, inclusive, diverse and equitable) Addresses institutional racism and implicit bias to increase positive outcomes for children and families of color Creators of culture focused on supporting families and ensuring all children find safe, loving permanent homes, particularly by reuniting them with their families Objectives of the Position Under the direction of organizational leadership, the Specialized Services CWS is part of the child welfare team that advances LCFS’s vision for safe, healthy and meaningful lives for children and families. The role collaborates with youth, identified caregivers and families, medical and mental health personnel, and community partners to support youth in Illinois foster care with history of medical/mental health issues, multiple placements, delinquency or other needs. Goals include: Safety, permanency and well-being Successful and sustainable transitions and maintenance in the least restrictive arrangements Intensive wraparound and case coordination services for social, emotional and physical well-being Natural and formal lifelong supports, connections, safety, stability and permanency Youth-led strength building, positive development, pro-social life skills, empowerment Essential Roles and Responsibilities (non-exhaustive) Work with a team of supervisors and direct service professionals to assess, plan, evaluate and coordinate safety, permanency and well-being outcomes for children and families Implement and refer individualized services (counseling, respite, mentoring, educational support, case management, crisis intervention) and ensure language to services meet specialized needs Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams for continuous quality improvement, service delivery and program outcomes Participate in System of Care principles and regular clinical/medical staffings and level of care reviews Engage in supervision, problem resolution and crisis response, including on-call support Maintain knowledge of child welfare laws, policies and trends to inform program adjustments Support performance outcomes on KPIs related to safety, permanency and well-being Represent clients’ needs to referral sources, DCFS, judicial system and governmental agencies Exercise discretion and professional judgment under supervision as appropriate Perform other duties as required within scope Additional Child Welfare Specialist Essential Functions Oversee children and families assigned to LCFS; monitor well-being, birth parents progress toward reunification, facilitate home visits, communicate with foster families; may transport in personal vehicle; may work evenings/weekends Assess child needs related to safety, education, medical and psychosocial well-being; prepare court reports and maintain confidentiality Utilize DCFS SACWIS for case records; prepare service plans; maintain accurate files; support continuous quality improvement Maintain regular communication with supervisor; address significant issues impacting youth and safety Engage with the child, birth parents and foster parents; teach effective parenting skills Coordinate referrals and follow-up with community resources; establish collaborative relationships with team members Align service plan outcomes with assessments and safety determinations; monitor expenditures per policy Stay informed on regulations, policies and requirements; attend required training Foster a welcoming environment and promote diversity, inclusion and equity Knowledge, Abilities Knowledge of risk and safety assessment and development of safety plans Ability to write clear, actionable feedback for reports Knowledge of medical/mental health diagnoses, treatment methods and crisis intervention Knowledge of trauma, grief, human development and readiness for change Understanding of confidentiality and the role of a change agent Strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and communication skills Ability to train and mentor others; participate in ongoing organizational training (15 hours annually for specialized youth population) Commitment to diversity and SOGIE awareness; ability to work with diverse populations Collaboration and coaching skills for a diverse workforce; cultural and socioeconomic sensitivity Proficiency with computer software (Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, Teams) Willingness to travel and work flexible hours Qualifications – Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in a related human services field with 1 year of related child and family casework experience. A IL Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL) is highly preferred. Proficiency in English and Spanish preferred. Physical and Other Demands While performing duties, employee must be able to talk/hear, sit, and occasionally stand/walk; use hands to operate computer equipment; lift up to 15 pounds. Valid driver’s license and ability to safely transport as needed. LCFS is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Compensation and Benefits Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. LCFS offers a benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, 10 paid holidays, PTO/vacation/sick time, self-care and resiliency benefits, life insurance, a 403(b) retirement program and performance-based bonus potential. Note: This description reflects the main responsibilities and qualifications; it is not all-inclusive and may be subject to change.
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JOB TITLE:
Specialized Services Child Welfare Specialist (S-CWS) REPORTS TO:
Specialized Services Program Manager STATUS:
Full Time, Exempt Salary Range:
51,336 - 56,336 Office Location:
The office location will be based on the office nearest to the candidate’s residency. Travel is required across the 102 IL counties. Opportunities currently available in O'Fallon and Mt. Vernon. Benefits:
Click Here to view LCFS’ Full-Time Employee Benefits. What We Do Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois improves the well-being of people across the state by protecting children, strengthening families and building futures for those who have experienced trauma. LCFS is a welcoming organization serving children, individuals, families and communities of all faiths, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender expressions and gender identifications. Who We Are Champions in supporting children, youth and families throughout Illinois so they are able to reach their full potential Dynamic and innovative leaders who believe in collaboration with their team of professionals and are revolutionizing the impact on services to families A community which embraces and is committed to being WIDE (welcoming, inclusive, diverse and equitable) Addresses institutional racism and implicit bias to increase positive outcomes for children and families of color Creators of culture focused on supporting families and ensuring all children find safe, loving permanent homes, particularly by reuniting them with their families Objectives of the Position Under the direction of organizational leadership, the Specialized Services CWS is part of the child welfare team that advances LCFS’s vision for safe, healthy and meaningful lives for children and families. The role collaborates with youth, identified caregivers and families, medical and mental health personnel, and community partners to support youth in Illinois foster care with history of medical/mental health issues, multiple placements, delinquency or other needs. Goals include: Safety, permanency and well-being Successful and sustainable transitions and maintenance in the least restrictive arrangements Intensive wraparound and case coordination services for social, emotional and physical well-being Natural and formal lifelong supports, connections, safety, stability and permanency Youth-led strength building, positive development, pro-social life skills, empowerment Essential Roles and Responsibilities (non-exhaustive) Work with a team of supervisors and direct service professionals to assess, plan, evaluate and coordinate safety, permanency and well-being outcomes for children and families Implement and refer individualized services (counseling, respite, mentoring, educational support, case management, crisis intervention) and ensure language to services meet specialized needs Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams for continuous quality improvement, service delivery and program outcomes Participate in System of Care principles and regular clinical/medical staffings and level of care reviews Engage in supervision, problem resolution and crisis response, including on-call support Maintain knowledge of child welfare laws, policies and trends to inform program adjustments Support performance outcomes on KPIs related to safety, permanency and well-being Represent clients’ needs to referral sources, DCFS, judicial system and governmental agencies Exercise discretion and professional judgment under supervision as appropriate Perform other duties as required within scope Additional Child Welfare Specialist Essential Functions Oversee children and families assigned to LCFS; monitor well-being, birth parents progress toward reunification, facilitate home visits, communicate with foster families; may transport in personal vehicle; may work evenings/weekends Assess child needs related to safety, education, medical and psychosocial well-being; prepare court reports and maintain confidentiality Utilize DCFS SACWIS for case records; prepare service plans; maintain accurate files; support continuous quality improvement Maintain regular communication with supervisor; address significant issues impacting youth and safety Engage with the child, birth parents and foster parents; teach effective parenting skills Coordinate referrals and follow-up with community resources; establish collaborative relationships with team members Align service plan outcomes with assessments and safety determinations; monitor expenditures per policy Stay informed on regulations, policies and requirements; attend required training Foster a welcoming environment and promote diversity, inclusion and equity Knowledge, Abilities Knowledge of risk and safety assessment and development of safety plans Ability to write clear, actionable feedback for reports Knowledge of medical/mental health diagnoses, treatment methods and crisis intervention Knowledge of trauma, grief, human development and readiness for change Understanding of confidentiality and the role of a change agent Strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and communication skills Ability to train and mentor others; participate in ongoing organizational training (15 hours annually for specialized youth population) Commitment to diversity and SOGIE awareness; ability to work with diverse populations Collaboration and coaching skills for a diverse workforce; cultural and socioeconomic sensitivity Proficiency with computer software (Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, Teams) Willingness to travel and work flexible hours Qualifications – Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in a related human services field with 1 year of related child and family casework experience. A IL Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL) is highly preferred. Proficiency in English and Spanish preferred. Physical and Other Demands While performing duties, employee must be able to talk/hear, sit, and occasionally stand/walk; use hands to operate computer equipment; lift up to 15 pounds. Valid driver’s license and ability to safely transport as needed. LCFS is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Compensation and Benefits Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. LCFS offers a benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, 10 paid holidays, PTO/vacation/sick time, self-care and resiliency benefits, life insurance, a 403(b) retirement program and performance-based bonus potential. Note: This description reflects the main responsibilities and qualifications; it is not all-inclusive and may be subject to change.
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