Social Worker, Strengthening Connections

Illinois Action For Children•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Under the direction of the Strengthening Connections Manager, the Strengthening Connections Social Worker (WDOC) will support families engaged in the Women’s Dignity of Choice Pilot Program through trauma-informed case management and care coordination services. Strengthening Connections Social Worker (WDOC) will also support recruitment of participants for the pilot, including building relationships with community organizations that serve justice impacted women and presenting information on the program and its benefits for potential participants and community organizations. As a part of our Strengthening Connections Work to support children and families impacted by incarceration, we are partnering as the care coordination and childcare partner for the Women’s Dignity of Choice Pilot. Women’s Dignity of Choice is building a service system that reflects and prioritizes the desires, choices, and autonomy of the women it serves. By recognizing women as the experts of their own lived experiences, we honor their ability to play an active role in making their own financial decisions and utilize other program resources as they see fit. Through a human-centered, inclusive, and gender responsive approach that builds upon their unique strengths and brilliance, we provide the necessary support to equip women to choose their own life pathways and thrive. The Women’s Dignity of Choice Social Worker will work with an assigned case load of families to provide a full range of services, including parent support and education, enrollment/eligibility for early learning programs, health and social services, and other case management functions. Their purpose is to maintain and strengthen family units of women who are released form incarceration who have children. This program works with family strengths, monitors the family dynamics, provides linkages to community resources, assists with housing or school issues, and provides information regarding child development and age-appropriate behavior and discipline as well as general case management services. With solitary emphasis on child safety and strengthening the family and their connection to community

Requirements

A Master’s degree in social work, human services, early childhood education or related field is required.
Social work licensure (LSW, LPC, LCPC, LCSW) required.
At least 1 to 2 years of experience in early education and/or social services
Experience working with priority populations as defined by the Illinois Early Learning Council [https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/OECD/Events/Documents/Priority%20Populations%20updated%202021.pdf], preferably Children who are Impacted by Parental Involvement in the Criminal Justice System.
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to initiate, build, and manage cohesive partnerships and professional relationships both internally and externally.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, insurance, and a safe driving record.

Responsibilities

Builds respectful, culturally responsive, and trusting relationships with women and their families.
Assist in the maintenance, support, and development of new and existing software applications, databases, and information systems across the agency, including Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) and custom-built products. Provide technical assistance, support, and guidance related to existing and future applications and databases throughout the agency.
Manage application and database development projects through successful completion as directed. Gather and translate business requirements from programs and departments into technical specifications and deliverables.
Develop related projects, functional, and technical documentation, including but not limited to the development of project plans; requirements, design, and specification documentation; test plans, scripts, and documentation; training materials; etc.
Assist and work on projects and activities focused on developing, supporting, and sustaining ongoing data-informed and data-driven work culture and operations across all departments and programs, and participates in related data management efforts.
Provide data analysis and related technical assistance services to agency staff members as required, and work with agency staff members in proactively identifying and maximizing opportunities to use information and data to improve outcomes and processes.
Promote Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) by proactively identifying and helping to identify and implement improvements and best practices related to the agency’s use of applications, databases, and systems.
Uses agency tools for organizing and managing work, including but not limited to the Zendesk Help Desk system to track and manage requests for assistance, tasks, and related items and Smartsheet for project and non-support task management.
Collaborate with other Information Technology team members in promoting an effective work environment and culture and assist Information Technology team in providing technology support and assistance to staff members, as needed.
Execute our workplace core capabilities of accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement (CQI), communication, competent people, and clear priorities.
Performs all other assigned, related duties as required.

Benefits

Working with passionate team members that are driven by our Mission: Illinois Action for Children is a catalyst for organizing, developing, and supporting strong families and powerful communities where children matter most.
We strive to foster and implement a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our organization. We know it is not only critical to the success of diversity initiatives - but instrumental in creating an unbiassed and inclusive workplace! It not only relates to the diverse clients we serve but also creates a positive employee experience.
Health, dental and vision insurance plans with company contribution of 95% for single coverage
401k with company match
Generous PTO – first year-23 days, the second year-28 days, the third year and on - 35 days
11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
Tuition Reimbursement
Flexible Spending Account
STD & LTD insurance
Company paid Life Insurance