FOSTER HOME LICENSING SPECIALIST

State of Illinois•Elgin, IL

3d•$6,460 - $9,337•Hybrid

About The Position

The Foster Home Licensing Specialist serves the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services by coordinating with internal units and staff, including professional development staff, caseworkers, investigators, recruiters, and foster parent support specialists. The specialist consults with DCFS staff and Child and Adolescent Local Area Networks about selecting foster family resources that best meet children’s needs and recommends support services to help maintain those resources. The role also investigates complaints about licensed foster and adoptive homes in accordance with the Childcare Act, and maintains reports, statistics, records, and activity documentation monthly or as needed. Other duties may be assigned within the scope of the position. The position is based in Elgin, Illinois, with a hybrid schedule available depending on operational needs; the posting states that employees may work in the office 3 to 5 days per week. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is a union position and is within the Upward Mobility Program.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work; OR a master’s degree in a related human service field plus one year of directly related professional casework or case management experience; OR a bachelor’s degree in social work plus one year of directly related professional casework or case management experience; OR a bachelor’s degree in a related human service field plus two years of directly related professional casework or case management experience.
The college or university issuing the bachelor’s or master’s degree must be accredited; a social work degree program must be approved by the Council on Social Work Education.
Directly related professional casework or case management experience must concern family preservation, family reunification, adoption, youth development, counseling, advocacy services, or a related field.
Complete a background check and disclose criminal history.
Possess a valid driver’s license, have daily access to an automobile, and provide proof of vehicle insurance.
Have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to carry out assigned duties.
File a Statement of Economic Interest and a Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest, as required for the position.

Nice To Haves

Uploading college transcripts and a resume is highly recommended.

Responsibilities

Serve as Foster Home Licensing Specialist.
Coordinate with other units and staff, including the Office of Professional Development, caseworkers, investigators, recruiters, and foster parent support specialists.
Consult with DCFS staff and Child and Adolescent Local Area Networks about foster family resource selections that best meet children's needs and recommend support services to maintain those resources.
Conduct investigations into complaints about licensed foster and adoptive homes in accordance with the Childcare Act.
Provide and maintain reports, statistics, records, and documentation of activities monthly or as needed.
Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the position.

Benefits

Pension program.
Group insurance benefits, including health, life, dental, and vision insurance.
3 paid personal business days annually.
12 paid sick days annually, with sick days carrying over from year to year.
10–25 days of paid vacation annually; 10 days in the first year of employment.
13 paid holidays annually, and 14 in even-numbered years.
Flexible work schedules when available and dependent upon the position.
12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Deferred Compensation Program, a supplemental retirement plan.
Optional pre-tax programs, including Medical Care Assistance Plan and Dependent Care Assistance Plan.
Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Eligibility for GI Bill training and apprenticeship benefits for qualifying veterans.
Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only).