Bilingual (Spanish) Cook-DCFS Placement DIMHS

Erikson Institute • Chicago, IL

43d • Hybrid

About The Position

Erikson Institute is seeking to hire an experienced clinical professional with knowledge of child development and a background in working with children and families. This person will provide screening and referral services for families with young children where there is identified abuse and/or neglect. This position involves an opportunity to work for an innovative, ongoing state-wide collaboration between the Erikson Institute DCFS Early Childhood Project and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Through this collaboration, Developmental/Infant Mental Health Specialists seek to integrate an understanding of child, parent, family, and trauma history, with the goal of recommending and linking to services to maximize child and family functioning. Assessments are provided both in-person and virtually.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in child development, Social Work, Psychology or related field
• Required bilingual fluency (written and verbal) in Spanish and deep bicultural competency within the Latino community.
• Knowledge of child development, infant mental health, social work, and the child welfare system
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English required
• Minimum of two years of clinical or assessment experience in mental health, child welfare or early childhood setting
• Excellent organizational skills
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and access to reliable car for travel as needed

Nice To Haves

• Professional licensure such as LSW/LCSW or LPC/LCPC preferred

Responsibilities

• Conduct developmental assessments of young children birth to age four with their foster parents in Cook County.
• Interpret and document assessment results.
• Make and follow up on referrals and recommendations for children and their parents to support the family’s functioning.
• Provide attachment and trauma-informed case consultation to caregivers and DCFS or private agency case managers.
• Build networks of referral resources.
• Collaborate with early childhood and child welfare systems.
• Advocate for the needs of young children and families.

Benefits

• Ample clinical and professional support is offered through weekly supervision, week group supervision/case presentations, and trainings offered by the program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level