Child Welfare Specialist

Position Summary

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 all required intake/enrollment documentation is complete, and confirm that participants understand program policies and procedures. Respond promptly to new IFS referrals by participating in the supervisory hand-off and transitional visit within the specified timeframe.

  Within the 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, which will inform and support the development of a comprehensive, individualized family service plan.

• Engagement and Service Planning

  Within 45 days develop a comprehensive, individualized family service plan in collaboration with the assigned family, addressing safety, wellbeing and stability needs. Ensure that service plans reflect specific issues/needs, all service planning activities/goals, and clear timelines for achieving service goals. Collaborate with families to regularly evaluate and/or modify service plans to address any issues or barriers impacting progress.

• Participant Service Delivery

  Provide case management services to an average of 10-12 families under the guidance of an assigned supervisor. Conduct weekly or twice a month face‑to‑face home visits to monitor family well‑being, review service provision activities, and ensure safety of children.

  For mandated court‑involved family cases, appear in court to testify regarding the family’s progress, prepare progress reports as required, and attend school staffing or other family‑related meetings. Arrange or provide transportation for participants when needed. Respond timely to case‑related emergencies during evenings or weekends if required.

• Partnerships and Linkage to Community Resources

  Maintain awareness of community resources suitable for child, youth and family needs, and use them through referral and follow‑up. In consultation with a supervisor, refer participants (children and/or caregivers) to appropriate social service providers and community partners. Maintain regular contact with partners, advocate as needed, and ensure a timely and effective referral and linkage process.

• Documentation

  Document all case management activities promptly using approved forms/database. Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and updated case activity/entry notes in SACWIS, reflecting all direct and indirect services provided, including interventions and contacts with participants, close family members, significant others, and other service providers. Maintain participant files in full accordance with IDCFS and agency requirements, and submit monthly caseload statistics or other relevant reports as required.

• Performance & Quality Management

  Demonstrate knowledge of Intact Family program requirements, COA accreditation best practice standards, and Illinois Department of Children and Family Services rules and procedures (Part 302.388). Adhere to agency policies, procedures, best practice standards, and funder requirements. Incorporate the agency mission, philosophy, and core values into daily work and decision‑making. Participate actively in the agency’s Performance Quality Improvement process.

  Foster positive collaborative relationships with agency staff and community partners, cultivate a professional respectful work environment, and actively participate in weekly supervision, staff meetings, mandatory DCFS trainings, and other professional development training as needed.

Sensitivity to cultural diversity is required. Candidates will be subject to drug and alcohol screening, as well…