Child Welfare Specialist

Child Welfare Specialist

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois is seeking a Child Welfare Specialist. This is an exempt position with a salary range of $57,079 - $60,079. The role involves providing child welfare services, monitoring child well-being, facilitating home visits, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams. The specialist will also engage in crisis response, maintain knowledge of child welfare laws, and represent clients' needs to various agencies.

Essential Functions:

- Oversee children and families assigned to Lutheran Child and Family Services for providing child welfare services.

- Exercise discretion and sound judgment in performance of duties.

- Implement and refer to individualized services for youth and families.

- Collaborate regularly with multi-disciplinary teams and partners.

- Actively participate in System of Care and regular supervision.

- Represent clients' needs to referral sources, DCFS, the judicial system, and governmental agencies.

- Continuously assess the child's needs and prepare reports.

- Comply with all requirements regarding electronic record-keeping and service plans.

- Engage the child, birth parents, and foster parents in assessments and establish a therapeutic alliance.

- Maintain knowledge of community resources and coordinate referrals.

- Provide a welcoming environment in all contacts with clients and agency staff.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Ability Requirements:

- Ability to drive one's own vehicle and transport individuals as needed.

- In-depth knowledge of child welfare systems, regulations, and best practices.

- Strong case management skills, including assessments, service planning, and progress monitoring.

- Ability to advocate for children's rights and best interests.

- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

- Ability to provide crisis intervention and support.

Background and Driving Requirements:

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required background checks. Candidates must possess a reliable vehicle, a valid driver's license, and no suspended or revoked licenses within the past three years.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's in a related human service field with one year of related experience in child welfare, case management, or a related role. A Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL) in IL is required. Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in English and Spanish is preferred.

Physical Demands and Other Requirements:

The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, or controls; reach with hands and arms. Capable of operating standard office equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee is required to have valid driver's license, auto insurance, and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. The work environment characteristics include a noise level which is usually low to moderate.

Position Responsibilities/Program Execution and Decision Making:

- Diversity and Inclusion/Professionalism:
In all aspects of their work presents as a role model to others, behaving in a way which actively supports LCFS as a welcoming community, promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace and collaborates with others to further equity and dismantle barriers to a more inclusive experience of community. Participates in annual professional development and/or advocacy regarding inclusion.

- Ethical Conduct:
Follows all ethics policies and procedures related to program execution and decision making as defined by the agency as well as any related professional licensing, regulatory or accrediting body. Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information. Reports any known or suspected breaches of confidentiality in accordance with policy. Reports possible misconduct or relevant errors/oversight in a timely manner and responsibly addresses related issues with chain of command.

- Communication/Interpersonal

Skills:

Consistently conveys clear, accurate, timely, and respectful communication appropriate for the situation. Informs appropriate management staff when incident occurs or a crisis situation. Maintains professional boundaries with clients/residents, staff, interns, volunteers, and vendors. Able to…