Masters, Child Welfare Specialist

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois • Rockford, IL

2d • $60,000 - $67,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), a leading not-for-profit organization, is seeking a full-time Master's Child Welfare Specialist. This role is responsible for providing comprehensive foster care and/or adoption services to children and families, adhering to state mandates, juvenile court directions, COA standards, program plans, and agency policy. LSSI is dedicated to providing healing, justice, and wholeness to individuals and communities, with a long-standing commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of children and families.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in social work or other related human services field required.
• State licensing/certification as required by the State of Illinois and regulatory agencies, including Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Mental Health.
• Background check clearance, both criminal and CANTS required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of related experience required.
• Training in KEEP and/or GenerationsPMTO or availability to participate in training, coaching and fidelity to certification once hired required.
• Successful completion of CCS Bootcamp required.
• Successful completion of Client-Centered Service Planning and Aftercare Planning Training required.
• Successful completion of four (4) of the following required: LSS I/COY Trauma Training, Client-Centered Specialized Casework Training, DCFS Adoption & Guardianship Training, Co-Occurring Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Training, Reunifying Families Training, DCFS: Child and Family Meeting Training
• Excellent organization, presentation, and pc/computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) along with other related software.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a clear, comprehensive manner, verbally and written.
• Capacity to understand and empathize with the cultural, psychological, and practical needs of the clients that the agency serves.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing required for the state of residency.
• Access to reliable transportation for meetings, home visits, and to transport clients as needed.
• Valid IL statutory minimum liability insurance coverage, bodily injury, and property damage required.

Responsibilities

• Provide and coordinate a continuum of case management services on all levels of the child welfare system designed to achieve permanency for children within their family of origin, extended family, or a foster/adoptive family within the policies and procedures of the agency, accreditation agency, and regulatory agency.
• Perform all tasks as required in the written service plan that is based upon the comprehensive, integrated assessment being certain to engage children and families in the process.
• Complete and submit all reports, documentation, and billing accurately and timely as required by the agency and funding sources.
• Respond in person to client emergencies 24-hours-a-day, attend court hearings, and ACRs.
• Ensure productivity requirements established by the Program Director or designee are met.
• Participate in the supervisory process for guidance, direction support, and approval of decision-making, assessment, service planning, and intervention. Present cases for staffing and conduct family-child meetings.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other service providers, schools, and health care facilities to promote the child(ren)’s well-being.
• Communicate with supervisor, work group, and collateral agencies regarding children’s and/or family’s status.
• Demonstrate professional, positive behavior and carry out responsibilities with integrity, treating clients, families, other LSSI workforce members, and collaborative organizations and/or individual in a dignified, respectful, honest, and fair manner.

Benefits

• On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience, and licensure.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Comprehensive benefits package for Full-time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
• Paid training

What This Job Offers

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