Permanency Support Specialist

CHRISTIAN SOCIAL SERVICE OF ILLINO•Alton, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Welcome to your opportunity to change the world! If you have a servant’s heart and want to be part of something truly special, then Caritas Family Solutions needs you. We have been serving the people of Illinois since 1947 and have over 500 committed and mission-driven team members. At Caritas, we do not hire people for jobs, we find new team members for rewarding and life-changing careers that make the world better. If you are kind, patient, and ready to make a difference, we would love to meet you! Full-time employees are offered the competitive benefits outlined below: Generous Paid Time Off Paid training Health Insurance Dental and Vision Life insurance 403(b) with company contribution 5% Tuition reimbursement We know great candidates bring a wide range of experience. If you believe you can be successful in this role, we encourage you to apply — even if you don’t meet every qualification listed. Job Title: Foster Care Permanency Support Specialist Department: Foster Care Status: Full-Time, Nonexempt Reports To: Supervisor Starting Compensation Pay: $17.25/hr. PURPOSE: The Foster Care Permanency Support Specialist provides administrative and case support to Foster Care Case Managers and Supervisors. This position assists with documentation, court preparation, data entry, legal tracking, and other support activities that contribute to achieving permanency outcomes for children and families served by the agency.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED (Related fields will be considered.)
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, written and verbal communication skills, ability to maintain accurate documentation, ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines, confidentiality, and professionalism.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with children, families, foster parents, court personnel, agency staff, and community partners. Demonstrates professionalism, empathy, collaboration, and customer service skills.
Ability to prioritize workflow, identify administrative barriers impacting case progress, exercise sound judgment when handling confidential information, and adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
Proficient Computer Skills In: Outlook, Word, Excel, Database Management Software, SACWIS, and electronic documentation systems.
Ability to maintain electronic case records, complete required documentation accurately, perform data entry in SACWIS, utilize electronic filing systems, and process court-related documentation.
Must display a willingness to adopt trauma informed interventions, principles, and practices as well as commitment to ongoing development of their capacity for application of trauma informed care. Realizes the prevalence of trauma among persons served by Caritas and the general population. Recognizes how trauma affects everyone involved—including clients, their families, staff, and community—and impacts behaviors. Responds to trauma by actively implementing the guiding principles of trauma informed care into their daily practice. Resists re-traumatization of persons served and staff providing services by creating safe, welcoming, and supportive environments.
Access to reliable transportation: Required.
Access to a reliable automobile: Required.
Proof of continued auto insurance: Required.
Valid driver’s license: Required.

Nice To Haves

Administrative support, child welfare, social service, legal, or related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist Foster Care Case Managers with preparation for court hearings, Administrative Case Reviews (ACRs), Child and Individual Permanency Planning Meetings (CIPPs), and other required meetings.
Prepare, proofread, edit, and type reports, correspondence, and other agency documents.
File court reports and maintain court-related documentation.
Electronically file or physically submit required legal documents as needed.
Enter and maintain CFS 502 information within SACWIS.
Submit required forms, including the 1425L.
Track and assist with legal screenings and associated documentation.
Maintain organized case records and files in accordance with agency requirements.
Provide transportation for children or parents on an occasional emergency basis, as assigned.
Maintain the confidentiality of client and agency information.
Perform other duties as assigned.