Child Welfare Specialist

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.

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.

Include the following, other duties as assigned:

Conducts thorough intakes and comprehensive psychosocial assessments of newly enrolled participants, ensuring that participants receive all required intake/enrollment documentation.

Ensures that participants understand all program policies and procedures related to their participation in services. Promptly responds to new IFS referrals by participating in the supervisory hand-off and transitional visit within the specified timeframe.

Within the first 5 working days completes a safety and family risk assessment on all assigned family cases. Within the first 40 days completes an integrated assessment and a Child Adolescent Needs Assessment (CANS) on all assigned family cases, which informs and supports the development of a comprehensive, individualized family service plan.

Within 45 days develops a comprehensive, individualized family service plan, in collaboration with the assigned family, which addresses (assessment) needs related to safety, wellbeing and stability.

Ensures that family service plans reflect specific issues/needs, all service planning activities/goals and clear timelines for achieving service goals. Collaborates with families to regularly evaluate and/or modify service plans, to address any issues or barriers affecting progress toward service goals.

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

When managing a mandated court-involved family case, must appear in court in order to testify in proceedings regarding the progress of the family. Prepares progress reports, as required, under the guidance of the supervisor.

Prepares for and attends school staffing and other family-related meetings, as required. When necessary, transports or arranges transportation for participants to facilitate their participation in services, as outlined in family service plans.

In consultation with supervisor, makes recommendations to DCFS or court personnel, as needed.

Responds in a timely manner to case-related emergencies during evenings or weekends if needed.

May perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor to support service delivery.

Maintains an awareness of community resources appropriate to child, youth and family needs, and makes proper use of these resources through referral and follow‑up. In consultation with supervisor, refers participants (children and/or caregivers) to other, appropriate social service providers and community partners to adequately address participant’s’ service needs. Maintains regular contact with community partners and other service providers and advocates when needed, to support participants’ service goals.

Ensures a timely and effective referral and linkage process, on behalf of participants.

Documents all case management activities in a timely manner using approved forms/database.

Maintains accurate, comprehensive and updated case activity/entry notes in SACWIS, to reflect all direct and indirect services provided, including all…