Child Welfare Specialist

Join to apply for the Child Welfare Specialist role at Casa Central

$50,400.00/yr - $50,400.00/yr

Under the direction of a Team Supervisor, this position is responsible for providing comprehensive home‑based case management services to assigned families with the goal of promoting safety, wellbeing and stability, in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) requirements and Intact Family Services and Family First Prevention Services Act.

• Intake and Assessment
  • Conduct thorough intakes and comprehensive psychosocial assessments of newly enrolled participants.
  • Ensure participants receive all required intake/enrollment documentation and understand program policies.
  • Respond to new IFS referrals by participating in supervisory hand‑off and transitional visit within the specified timeframe.
  • Within first 5 working days complete a safety and family risk assessment on all assigned family cases.
  • Within the first 40 days complete an integrated assessment and a Child Adolescent Needs Assessment (CANS) on all assigned family cases.
• Engagement and Service Planning
  • Within 45 days develop a comprehensive, individualized family service plan in collaboration with the assigned family.
  • Ensure family service plans reflect specific issues/needs, all service planning activities/goals and clear timelines.
  • Collaborate with families to regularly evaluate and/or modify service plans.
  • Establish and maintain professional, positive, collaborative relationships and engage regularly with families.
• Participant Service Delivery
  • Provide case management services to an average of 10-12 families under guidance of an assigned supervisor.
  • Conduct weekly or twice monthly face‑to‑face home visits.
  • When managing a mandated court‑involved family case, appear in court to testify about progress.
  • Prepare progress reports as required under guidance of the supervisor.
  • Prepare for and attend school staffing and other family‑related meetings.
  • When necessary, arrange transportation for participants per service plan.
  • Make recommendations to DCFS or court personnel in consultation with supervisor.
  • Respond to case‑related emergencies during evenings or weekends if needed.
• Partnerships and Linkage to Community Resources
  • Maintain awareness of community resources and use them through referral and follow‑up.
  • Refer participants to other appropriate social service providers and partners.
  • Maintain regular contact with partners and advocate when needed.
• Documentation
  • Document all case management activities in a timely manner using approved forms/database.
  • Maintain accurate, comprehensive case activity notes in SACWIS.
  • Maintain participants’ files per IDCFS and agency requirements.
  • Submit monthly caseload statistics or other relevant reports.
• Performance & Quality Management
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Intact Family program requirements, COA accreditation standards, and IDCFS rules.
  • Adhere to agency policies, best practice standards and funder requirements.
  • Incorporate agency mission and values into daily work.
  • Participate in supervision, staff meetings, mandatory DCFS trainings, and other professional development.
  • Submit personal time sheets and ensure compliance with guidelines.
  • Report situations that threaten staff, participants, or agency per Incident/Accident system.

Sensitivity to cultural diversity is required. Must be subject to drug and alcohol screening, aptitude and skills testing. The duties must be performed satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) with one year of social service experience.
• OR a Bachelor’s degree in a related human services field with two years of social service experience.
• Must successfully complete the IDCFS Foundation training and pass Intact Specialty exams to obtain child welfare licensure.

Bilingual in Spanish and English is preferred.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Publisher, Excel) to enter and retrieve data.
• College‑level math skills required; accurately prepare and analyze data, including fiscal and…