Transitional Living Program Caseworker

Shelter Youth & Family Services•Arlington Heights, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Transitional Living Program Caseworker manages a caseload of up to ten male-identifying youth ages 17.5–21 who participate in Shelter Youth & Family Services’ transitional living program in Arlington Heights, Illinois. The Caseworker provides individualized case management, guidance, and support to help young adults develop the skills needed to achieve independence and transition successfully into adulthood. This includes supporting progress toward housing stability, education, employment, life skills, and overall well-being in a safe, structured, and supportive environment. The Caseworker provides client services and case management in compliance with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) rules and regulations. The position operates under the direction and supervision of the Residential Director. Work is primarily in-office, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional work outside regular business hours may be necessary to address urgent matters, operational demands, or unforeseen circumstances. Scheduling flexibility may be considered and earned over time, subject to supervisor approval and organizational needs. This is an exempt position. The listed salary is $63,650. Bilingual applicants who certify reading, speaking, and writing skills in two languages through DCFS may receive an additional salary stipend.

Requirements

Must be at least 25 years old in accordance with Illinois DCFS Licensing Standards for Transitional Living Programs.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school.
Must successfully obtain a Child Welfare License (CWEL) within three months of employment.
Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of Shelter’s mission, vision, and values.
Valid Illinois driver’s license, automobile, and proof of Illinois auto insurance.
Must complete a medical and T.B. test.
Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 according to the latest CDC guidelines.
Must be fingerprinted by the State of Illinois and submit to a full background check through Illinois DCFS.
Must submit official educational transcripts from the last school at which a degree was awarded.
Must become CPR, CPI, and Think Trauma certified within 30 days of employment.
Ability to lift 40 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Degree in a Human Services field preferred.
CWEL preferred; however, the license must be obtained within three months of employment.
Bilingual skills certified by DCFS may qualify for an additional salary stipend.

Responsibilities

Participate in referral and intake activities, including screening referrals, arranging pre-placement visits, establishing admission dates, arranging case transfers to Shelter, and processing paperwork for DCFS and the Residential Director.
Conduct required periodic assessments, including CANS, Risk Assessment (CERAP), and Integrated Assessment.
Prepare court reports and attend required court hearings.
Prepare DCFS service plans and attend DCFS Administrative Case Reviews.
Complete weekly and monthly paperwork required for DCFS monitoring.
Participate in Child & Family Team Meetings and quarterly client transition staffings.
Provide financial competency courses based on DCFS training requirements.
Ensure each client receives all recommended services.
Meet weekly with each resident to assess program adjustment, services received, well-being, and unmet needs.
Refer and link clients to external service providers and monitor those services on an ongoing basis.
Ensure youth are current with required medical exams, including physical, dental, vision, and hearing exams.
Maintain documentation in the DCFS SACWIS system in accordance with DCFS policies and procedures.
Maintain agency case records for each resident in accordance with DCFS policy.
Coordinate discharge planning and provide indicated aftercare services in accordance with DCFS policy and procedure.
Comply with agency policies and procedures and the DCFS Code of Ethics for Child Welfare Professionals.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Residential Director.