Social Worker, Strengthening Connections

Social Worker, Strengthening Connections

Summary 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. The Social Worker will also support recruitment of participants for the pilot, 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.

The role partners as the care coordination and childcare partner for the Women’s Dignity of Choice Pilot, working to support children and families impacted by incarceration. Women’s Dignity of Choice is building a service system that reflects and prioritizes the desires, choices, and autonomy of the women it serves, honoring their expertise and supporting them to choose their own life pathways and thrive.

• Build respectful, culturally responsive, and trusting relationships with women and their families.
• Manage case of program participants and input data from written records and participant goals that enhance participant and family well‑being.
• Work closely with Women’s Dignity of Choice partners to refer participants to housing, workforce services, childcare resources, and/or additional participant service needs.
• Initiate social service referrals and follow‑up services for families.
• Identify and build relationships with social service and community organizations to ensure warm referrals for participants, and work with organizations to recruit participants for pilots.
• Present information on IAFC’s role in Women’s Dignity of Choice Pilot, Women’s Dignity of Choice Pilot and Strengthening Connections at IAFC.
• Establish and maintain an efficient and effective record‑keeping system.
• Maintain knowledge of community resources and possess the skills to link families with appropriate agencies and services.
• Work closely with schools, local social service agencies, health and recreation agencies to develop service plans for families.
• Assist in identifying counseling needs for families as needed.
• Provide minor crisis intervention services as needed and may refer families to community agencies and services.
• Assist in emergency relocation of families threatened with imminent harm or violence.
• Assist in resolving conflicts and/or mediating situations involving families.
• Act as a liaison between family service providers/schools to facilitate access to services.
• Provide information on available services for participants’ family members.
• Collaborate with hospitals, clinics and community service providers to engage families in community events and services.
• Engage in emergency home visits with program participants and families in events of consecutive non‑communications.
• Maintain confidentiality of client’s personally identifiable information (PII).
• Perform other duties as assigned and collaborate with other agency functions to ensure the success of IAFC projects.
• Execute our workplace core capabilities: accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement (CQI), communication, competent people, and clear priorities.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, early childhood education, or related field is required;
  Master’s degree in social work or related field is strongly preferred.
• Licensure:
  Social work licensure (LSW, LPC, LCPC, LCSW) required.
• Experience:
  
  At least 1 to 2 years of experience in early education and/or social services, with a strong focus on priority populations defined by the Illinois Early Learning Council, preferably children impacted by parent involvement in the criminal justice system.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to initiate, build, and manage cohesive partnerships and professional relationships internally and externally.
• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and safe driving record required.

• Work with a passionate team members driven by our mission to support families and communities where children matter most.
• Culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organization.
• Health, dental and vision insurance plans with company contribution of 95% for single coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Generous PTO: 23 days the first year, 28 days the second year, 35 days thereafter.
• 11 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Flexible spending account.
• STD & LTD insurance.
• Company‑paid life insurance.

IL Action for Children is an EEO/M/F/V/D employer.

All aspects of the position may be amended at any time at the discretion of IAFC, including job duties, work location, and/or work schedule.