Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois
Child Welfare Specialist - Bilingual
Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois, Vernon, Illinois, United States, 62892
Child Welfare Specialist - Bilingual
Organization: Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois (LCFS)
Pay Range $50,336.00/hr - $55,336.00/hr – based on skills and experience.
Effective Date: March 1, 2024
Job Title: Child Welfare Specialist
Exempt/Non‑exempt: EXEMPT
Immediate Supervisor: Program Manager
Salary Range: $52,416 – $57,416
Benefits: Click Here to view LCFS’ Full‑Time Employee Benefits.
Essential Functions
Primarily responsible for overseeing children and families assigned to LCFS for providing child welfare services, which includes monitoring the child’s well‑being, the birth parents’ progress toward reunification, facilitating home visits and communicating appropriate information to foster families in their effort to assist the child and birth parents. Transport child and parents at times in own vehicle. May work evenings and some weekends to complete tasks, travel to high‑risk communities, and provide on‑call services as assigned.
Exercises discretion and sound judgment in performance of duties in conformance with applicable policies, procedures, statutes, rules and regulations.
Implementation and referral of individualized and targeted services for youth and families, such as counseling, respite, mentoring, educational support, case management, crisis intervention, and continual language to services to meet the specialized needs of children/families.
Collaborate regularly with multi‑disciplinary teams and partners for continuous quality improvement, interventions, service delivery and the achievement of program outcomes.
Actively participate in System of Care, including regular participation in clinical and medical staffing’s and level of care.
Actively participate in regular supervision, mediation, problem resolution, and crisis response by effectively responding to parent, child, provider and other stakeholder concerns and demonstrating the ability to effectively manage crisis and difficult case situations. (This includes on‑call support.)
Assesses and maintains knowledge of child welfare and population‑specific laws, policies, and trends for recommending program adjustments and implementation that aides program effectiveness, children, families and communities.
Achieve organizational performance outcomes on key performance indicators metrics/ dashboard toward safety, permanency, well‑being and overall agency performance outcomes.
Represents clients’ needs and Agency interest to referral sources, DCFS, the judicial system and governmental agencies.
Continuously assess the child’s needs related to safety, education, medical and social and psychological well‑being. Prepare accurate, timely written and verbal reports to the court and collateral contact information as appropriate, upholding all consents and confidentiality issues. Handle all crisis situations and client complaints with sensitivity and consult with supervisory chain when appropriate to resolve the matter.
Complies with all requirements regarding utilization of the DCFS electronic record‑keeping system (SACWIS). Prepares written service plans for each client as required by DCFS contract. Maintains up‑to‑date and accurate client files and databases, as required by agency/programmatic policies and procedures, professional standards, and external requirements of all relevant regulatory, licensing, or accrediting bodies. Implements continuous quality improvement in all aspects of performance.
Engages the child, the birth parents, and the foster parents in competently assessing the dynamics of the relationships and establishes a therapeutic alliance. Teaches effective parenting skills specific to the needs of the child and family.
Maintains knowledge of community resources and coordinates appropriate referrals and follow up as needed and required for child, birth, parents and foster parents. Establishes collaborative relationships with agency team members such as Case Aide, other child, welfare, specialists, service, providers and institutions.
Provides a welcoming and receptive environment in all contacts with clients, agency, staff and collateral contacts. Develops understanding and continuously develops self‑awareness related to diversity, inclusion, and equity issues.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Ability Requirements
Ability to drive one’s own vehicle and transport children, youth, and adults as needed.
In‑depth knowledge of child welfare systems, regulations, and best practices.
Strong case management skills, including assessments, service planning, and progress monitoring.
Ability to advocate for children’s rights and best interests within the child welfare system.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective interaction with families, children, professionals, and agencies.
Ability to provide crisis intervention and support to children and families facing challenging circumstances.
Education and Experience Bachelor’s in a related human services field with 1 year of related experience in child welfare, case management, or a related role, with a demonstrated track record of expertise in specialized child and family services. A Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL) in IL is required. Proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in English and Spanish preferred.
Physical Demands and Other Requirements To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties listed in the job description satisfactorily. The employee is required to talk or hear, sit, stand, walk, use hands to manipulate objects, reach with hands and arms and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. The work environment includes a noise level usually low to moderate.
Position Responsibilities / Program Execution and Decision Making
Diversity and Inclusion/ Professionalism: Acts as a role model and actively supports LCFS as a welcoming community, promotes diversity and inclusion, and collaborates with others to further equity and dismantle barriers.
Ethical Conduct: Follows all ethics policies and procedures, maintains confidentiality, reports breaches of confidentiality, and addresses misconduct or errors in a timely manner.
Communication / Interpersonal Skills: Provides clear, accurate, timely, and respectful communication appropriate for the situation and informs appropriate management staff when incidents or crises arise.
Safety and Agency Resource Utilization: Demonstrates sound judgment and safety awareness, reports incidents promptly, and ensures appropriate utilization of materials and resources.
Other Responsibilities: All other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other
Industries Individual and Family Services
Equal Opportunity Statement LCFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Pay Range $50,336.00/hr - $55,336.00/hr – based on skills and experience.
Effective Date: March 1, 2024
Job Title: Child Welfare Specialist
Exempt/Non‑exempt: EXEMPT
Immediate Supervisor: Program Manager
Salary Range: $52,416 – $57,416
Benefits: Click Here to view LCFS’ Full‑Time Employee Benefits.
Essential Functions
Primarily responsible for overseeing children and families assigned to LCFS for providing child welfare services, which includes monitoring the child’s well‑being, the birth parents’ progress toward reunification, facilitating home visits and communicating appropriate information to foster families in their effort to assist the child and birth parents. Transport child and parents at times in own vehicle. May work evenings and some weekends to complete tasks, travel to high‑risk communities, and provide on‑call services as assigned.
Exercises discretion and sound judgment in performance of duties in conformance with applicable policies, procedures, statutes, rules and regulations.
Implementation and referral of individualized and targeted services for youth and families, such as counseling, respite, mentoring, educational support, case management, crisis intervention, and continual language to services to meet the specialized needs of children/families.
Collaborate regularly with multi‑disciplinary teams and partners for continuous quality improvement, interventions, service delivery and the achievement of program outcomes.
Actively participate in System of Care, including regular participation in clinical and medical staffing’s and level of care.
Actively participate in regular supervision, mediation, problem resolution, and crisis response by effectively responding to parent, child, provider and other stakeholder concerns and demonstrating the ability to effectively manage crisis and difficult case situations. (This includes on‑call support.)
Assesses and maintains knowledge of child welfare and population‑specific laws, policies, and trends for recommending program adjustments and implementation that aides program effectiveness, children, families and communities.
Achieve organizational performance outcomes on key performance indicators metrics/ dashboard toward safety, permanency, well‑being and overall agency performance outcomes.
Represents clients’ needs and Agency interest to referral sources, DCFS, the judicial system and governmental agencies.
Continuously assess the child’s needs related to safety, education, medical and social and psychological well‑being. Prepare accurate, timely written and verbal reports to the court and collateral contact information as appropriate, upholding all consents and confidentiality issues. Handle all crisis situations and client complaints with sensitivity and consult with supervisory chain when appropriate to resolve the matter.
Complies with all requirements regarding utilization of the DCFS electronic record‑keeping system (SACWIS). Prepares written service plans for each client as required by DCFS contract. Maintains up‑to‑date and accurate client files and databases, as required by agency/programmatic policies and procedures, professional standards, and external requirements of all relevant regulatory, licensing, or accrediting bodies. Implements continuous quality improvement in all aspects of performance.
Engages the child, the birth parents, and the foster parents in competently assessing the dynamics of the relationships and establishes a therapeutic alliance. Teaches effective parenting skills specific to the needs of the child and family.
Maintains knowledge of community resources and coordinates appropriate referrals and follow up as needed and required for child, birth, parents and foster parents. Establishes collaborative relationships with agency team members such as Case Aide, other child, welfare, specialists, service, providers and institutions.
Provides a welcoming and receptive environment in all contacts with clients, agency, staff and collateral contacts. Develops understanding and continuously develops self‑awareness related to diversity, inclusion, and equity issues.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Ability Requirements
Ability to drive one’s own vehicle and transport children, youth, and adults as needed.
In‑depth knowledge of child welfare systems, regulations, and best practices.
Strong case management skills, including assessments, service planning, and progress monitoring.
Ability to advocate for children’s rights and best interests within the child welfare system.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective interaction with families, children, professionals, and agencies.
Ability to provide crisis intervention and support to children and families facing challenging circumstances.
Education and Experience Bachelor’s in a related human services field with 1 year of related experience in child welfare, case management, or a related role, with a demonstrated track record of expertise in specialized child and family services. A Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL) in IL is required. Proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in English and Spanish preferred.
Physical Demands and Other Requirements To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties listed in the job description satisfactorily. The employee is required to talk or hear, sit, stand, walk, use hands to manipulate objects, reach with hands and arms and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. The work environment includes a noise level usually low to moderate.
Position Responsibilities / Program Execution and Decision Making
Diversity and Inclusion/ Professionalism: Acts as a role model and actively supports LCFS as a welcoming community, promotes diversity and inclusion, and collaborates with others to further equity and dismantle barriers.
Ethical Conduct: Follows all ethics policies and procedures, maintains confidentiality, reports breaches of confidentiality, and addresses misconduct or errors in a timely manner.
Communication / Interpersonal Skills: Provides clear, accurate, timely, and respectful communication appropriate for the situation and informs appropriate management staff when incidents or crises arise.
Safety and Agency Resource Utilization: Demonstrates sound judgment and safety awareness, reports incidents promptly, and ensures appropriate utilization of materials and resources.
Other Responsibilities: All other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other
Industries Individual and Family Services
Equal Opportunity Statement LCFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr