Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois
Child Welfare Specialist - Bilingual
Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois, Vernon, Illinois, United States, 62892
Job Details
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 Lutheran Child and Family Services, monitoring child well‑being, birth parents’ progress toward reunification, facilitating home visits, and communicating appropriate information to foster families. Transport child and parents in own vehicle. May work evenings, weekends, and travel to high‑risk communities. Provide on‑call services as assigned.
Exercise discretion and sound judgment in performance of duties in conformance with applicable policies, procedures, statutes, rules, and regulations.
Implement and refer individualized and targeted services for youth and families, such as counseling, respite, mentoring, educational support, case management, crisis intervention, and language services to meet specialized needs.
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 and level of care.
Participate in supervision, mediation, problem resolution, and crisis response by effectively responding to parent, child, provider and other stakeholder concerns, demonstrating the ability to manage crisis and difficult case situations (including on‑call support).
Assess and maintain knowledge of child welfare and population‑specific laws, policies, and trends to recommend program adjustments and implementation that aid program effectiveness.
Achieve organizational performance outcomes on key performance indicators and metrics/dashboard toward safety, permanency, well‑being, and overall agency performance outcomes.
Represent clients’ needs and Agency interests 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 required 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 supervisory chain when appropriate.
Comply with all requirements regarding utilization of the DCFS electronic record‑keeping system (SACWIS). Prepare written service plans for each client as required by DCFS contract. Maintain up‑to‑date and accurate client files and databases, as required by agency/programmatic policies and procedures, professional standards, and external regulatory or accrediting bodies.
Engage the child, the birth parents, and the foster parents in assessing the dynamics of the relationships and establish a therapeutic alliance. Teach effective parenting skills specific to the needs of the child and family.
Maintain knowledge of community resources and coordinate appropriate referrals and follow‑up as needed and required for child, birth, parents, and foster parents. Establish collaborative relationships with agency team members such as Case Aide, other child and welfare specialists, service providers, and institutions.
Provide a welcoming and receptive environment in all contacts with clients, agency, staff, and collateral contacts. Develop understanding and continuously develop 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 service 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 regularly required to talk or hear, frequently required to sit, occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, or controls, reach with hands and arms. Capable of operating standard office equipment, including a computer and keyboard, calculator, typical business machines such as a fax machine and copier. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must have a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. The work environment characteristics include a noise level which is usually low to moderate.
Position Responsibilities / Program Execution and Decision Making
Demonstrate diversity and inclusion professionalism in all aspects of work, actively supporting LCFS as a welcoming community, promoting diversity and inclusion, and collaborating with others to further equity and dismantle barriers. Participate in annual professional development and/or advocacy regarding inclusion.
Follow all ethics policies and procedures related to program execution and decision making as defined by the agency and any related professional licensing. Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information. Report any known or suspected breaches of confidentiality in accordance with policy. Report possible misconduct or related errors/oversight in a timely manner and address related issues responsibly with chain of command.
Consistently convey clear, accurate, timely, and respectful communication appropriate for the situation. Inform appropriate management staff when an incident occurs or a crisis situation. Maintain professional boundaries with clients/residents, staff, interns, volunteers, and vendors. Share skills and concepts with others and work effectively under time and environmental pressures.
Demonstrate sound judgment and foresight in safety awareness and in daily work. Notify the supervisory chain of any incidents or circumstances that require attention. Report all suspicions or allegations of abuse immediately to supervisor. Ensure appropriate utilization of materials and resources and minimize waste.
Perform all other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
LCFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other (Industry: Individual and Family Services)
Location Vernon, IL
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 Lutheran Child and Family Services, monitoring child well‑being, birth parents’ progress toward reunification, facilitating home visits, and communicating appropriate information to foster families. Transport child and parents in own vehicle. May work evenings, weekends, and travel to high‑risk communities. Provide on‑call services as assigned.
Exercise discretion and sound judgment in performance of duties in conformance with applicable policies, procedures, statutes, rules, and regulations.
Implement and refer individualized and targeted services for youth and families, such as counseling, respite, mentoring, educational support, case management, crisis intervention, and language services to meet specialized needs.
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 and level of care.
Participate in supervision, mediation, problem resolution, and crisis response by effectively responding to parent, child, provider and other stakeholder concerns, demonstrating the ability to manage crisis and difficult case situations (including on‑call support).
Assess and maintain knowledge of child welfare and population‑specific laws, policies, and trends to recommend program adjustments and implementation that aid program effectiveness.
Achieve organizational performance outcomes on key performance indicators and metrics/dashboard toward safety, permanency, well‑being, and overall agency performance outcomes.
Represent clients’ needs and Agency interests 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 required 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 supervisory chain when appropriate.
Comply with all requirements regarding utilization of the DCFS electronic record‑keeping system (SACWIS). Prepare written service plans for each client as required by DCFS contract. Maintain up‑to‑date and accurate client files and databases, as required by agency/programmatic policies and procedures, professional standards, and external regulatory or accrediting bodies.
Engage the child, the birth parents, and the foster parents in assessing the dynamics of the relationships and establish a therapeutic alliance. Teach effective parenting skills specific to the needs of the child and family.
Maintain knowledge of community resources and coordinate appropriate referrals and follow‑up as needed and required for child, birth, parents, and foster parents. Establish collaborative relationships with agency team members such as Case Aide, other child and welfare specialists, service providers, and institutions.
Provide a welcoming and receptive environment in all contacts with clients, agency, staff, and collateral contacts. Develop understanding and continuously develop 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 service 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 regularly required to talk or hear, frequently required to sit, occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, or controls, reach with hands and arms. Capable of operating standard office equipment, including a computer and keyboard, calculator, typical business machines such as a fax machine and copier. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must have a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. The work environment characteristics include a noise level which is usually low to moderate.
Position Responsibilities / Program Execution and Decision Making
Demonstrate diversity and inclusion professionalism in all aspects of work, actively supporting LCFS as a welcoming community, promoting diversity and inclusion, and collaborating with others to further equity and dismantle barriers. Participate in annual professional development and/or advocacy regarding inclusion.
Follow all ethics policies and procedures related to program execution and decision making as defined by the agency and any related professional licensing. Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information. Report any known or suspected breaches of confidentiality in accordance with policy. Report possible misconduct or related errors/oversight in a timely manner and address related issues responsibly with chain of command.
Consistently convey clear, accurate, timely, and respectful communication appropriate for the situation. Inform appropriate management staff when an incident occurs or a crisis situation. Maintain professional boundaries with clients/residents, staff, interns, volunteers, and vendors. Share skills and concepts with others and work effectively under time and environmental pressures.
Demonstrate sound judgment and foresight in safety awareness and in daily work. Notify the supervisory chain of any incidents or circumstances that require attention. Report all suspicions or allegations of abuse immediately to supervisor. Ensure appropriate utilization of materials and resources and minimize waste.
Perform all other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
LCFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other (Industry: Individual and Family Services)
Location Vernon, IL
#J-18808-Ljbffr