Foster Care Case Worker Job Arlington Heights area,Illinois USA,Social Work

FOSTER CARE CASE WORKER

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION

The Foster Care Case Worker is responsible for the provision of client services to Foster Care clients. This includes supervision of clients, assessment, referral, and coordination of services to high-risk families in need of social services, and the maintenance of client services in compliance with the Department of Family Services' rules and regulations.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

As part of a team, the Foster Care Case Manager provides direct individual and family casework services to facilitate healing through trauma informed services and community-based connections

Exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills, flexible and organized. Proficient use of computer knowledge. Ability to learn DCFS programming.

Provides support and education to enhance parenting skills and to prepare youth for self-sufficiency upon emancipation

Continuous assessment and service planning for assigned clients that adequately and appropriately address the client/family's unique service needs

Implements client service plans, monitors service plan progress, and reviews progress with supervisor and DCFS as required

Demonstrates insight regarding client strengths and needs. Can incorporate this into service planning and assessment

Assesses and monitors the safety of clients in current living arrangement and makes any needed recommendations and referrals for appropriate placement

Assesses permanency options; recommends permanency plan for clients; and implements plan to achieve permanency for clients

As part of a team, the Foster Care Case Manager develops a working knowledge of community resources to use in serving clients and maintains a productive working relationship with these providers

Provides referrals and linkages to appropriate resources; secures all written agreements in accordance with DCFS guidelines

Responds in a timely manner (within 24-48 hours) all written correspondence, email and phone call inquiries regarding clients

Provide court testimony, develop reports, participate in administrative case reviews, host child and family team meetings, maintain case files

Makes frequent reports to supervisor on progress of client services, as well as required written reports

Maintains accurate, complete and timely client records and data as required by DCFS and Shelter Youth and Family Services. Case notes should be entered within 48 hours.

Reports client progress in court proceedings through clear written reports submitted as required, and through accurate verbal testimony

Reports all possible critical incidents and unusual incidents to supervisor, management, or DCFS as required by DCFS and Shelter Youth and Family Services

Maintains client face-to-face contact through a required number of home and community visits

Provides continuous outreach to client, family members and other significant people in the client's life to maintain relationships

Plans, coordinates and supervise required family or sibling visits. Models appropriate adult/child interactions at all times

Always acts in a professional manner and maintains appropriate boundaries with clients

Demonstrates accountability for results and keeps commitments consistent with client service plan

Reports to work, meetings, training, and job related activities prepared and as scheduled

Demonstrates openness and respect for cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and coworkers

Performs other related tasks as required or assigned

ACCOUNTABILITY

The Case Worker shall be supervised by and accountable to the Foster Care Supervisor and Director.

HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT

Hours and days shall be scheduled by the Foster Care Supervisor and Director. Required to maintain flexible schedule to meet the needs of clients.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree in human services field required from an accredited school.
Experience in child welfare or related field preferred.
Master's Degree in Social Work desired.
Must meet Child Care Facility Driver requirements in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
Must pass CWEL Exam and Permanency Foundation courses as required by Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Must have a valid driver's license, a reliable automobile, adequate automobile insurance and good driving record.
Must become certified in CPR, First Aid and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) within six months of employment date.
Must complete a Medical and T.B. test providing proof of results.
Must be fingerprinted by…