Permanency Achievement Specialist

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families, and we're still a strong, viable presence in the State of Illinois, continuing that commitment to making a difference.

LSSI is hiring a full-time Permanency Achievement Specialist
, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Provides consultation regarding permanency issues; identifies and removes barriers to permanency, working to secure appropriate placements for children; monitors and takes action to complete permanencies with children waiting for reunification or adoption/subsidized guardianship. Provides linkages between caseworkers, recruitment resource specialists, adoptions staff, and community providers to expedite and finalize the permanency process and ensures.

LSSI is growing! Come be a part of this rewarding environment, and enjoy the knowledge that you’re helping make a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as these career advantages:

• On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience, and licensure.
• Salary $58,000-$61,000/Annually.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Comprehensive benefits package for Full-time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
• The paid training you need to learn, grow, and succeed!

• Assists the worker and facilitates linkages to community resources to prepare the home of the parent.
• Assists the worker with post-adoption, Guardianship connection to the DCFS unit prior to finalization.
• Works to secure additional service resources in a timely manner to expedite permanency.
• When reunification is not possible, assists the worker in listing children for adoption with Greenlight or the applicable Adoption registry.
• Assists the worker in completing the required documentation and home study to begin the Adoption or Sub Guardianship subsidy process.
• Submits, monitors, and follows up with the needs of the subsidy packet pending DCFS approval.
• Supports the worker with the completion of ICPC documentation to IDCFS needed for out-of-state permanency options for children with relatives and licensed potential adoptive families and works with the receiving state to eliminate barriers.
• Performs other related tasks as needed.

• A bachelor’s degree in social work or another related human service field is required.
• CWEL preferred but not required.
• Ability to engage with families.
• Must be proficient in the use of a computer to complete all documentation required to complete the duties below. Experience working with children with special needs preferred, as well as experience or training in Reunification, Adoption, and Sub-Guardianship.
• Must have a valid Illinois Driver’s License and an ability to pass a background check and be able to pass the State of Illinois examination on Licensing Standards for Foster Family Homes (402), the Child Care Act.
• Excellent communication, organization, presentation, and pc/computer skills (including proficiency with Microsoft Office — Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) along with other related software.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and proof of automobile liability insurance required.
• Access to transportation for visits and to transport clients to and from appointments.
• Position requires valid IL statutory minimum liability auto insurance coverage (including bodily injury and property damage).

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, any other characteristic protected by law.