Family Engagement Specialist

Family Core understands that strong families are at the heart of any vibrant, tight-knit community. Through the mission of "instilling hope by creating the right balance of resources and care to foster and equip healthy productive children and families," our 90 dedicated employees are committed to the investment of strengthening families with the tools and ties to succeed.

Our team works with schools, the court system and other social service agencies to connect counseling, intervention, preventative education, and other support services for families in need. Family Core, a private, non-profit, nationally accredited social service agency with over 120 years of service, takes a holistic approach in its continuum of care, often providing boosts of support to multiple generations. The end goal is to maintain the integrity of the family.

Be a part of this goal by joining the Family Core Team!

• Newly hired employees are eligible for benefits on the first day of the month following one month of service
• Robust Medical (Option of HMO or HDHP/PPO), Dental and Vision Benefits
• Employer funded Health Savings Account
• Basic Life Insurance & Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability & Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 11 Paid Holidays, including a Floating Holiday
• Additional Paid Leave for All Workers Act Leave (For Full-time and Part-time Employees)
• Culture supporting Work/Life Balance
• 401k Plan (3% Employer Contribution After Vested)
• Professional Development Opportunities, including Tuition Reimbursement
• Health, Wellness and Financial Educational Resources
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
• Confidential Employee Assistance Program

Provide case management services for at‑risk youth (10-18) and their families with community services (counseling, education, job help, mental health) to prevent juvenile incarceration, working within a county-based system that offers wraparound care, legal advocacy, and life skills training to keep kids in their communities. These roles focus on building family partnerships, facilitating services, and ensuring positive outcomes for youth who might otherwise face commitment to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ).

• Provide direct counseling, intake, and case management services to youth and families, including the development, coordination, and implementation of individual and group skills training and Social and Emotional Learning services.
• Conduct Juvenile Risk Assessments and utilize de-escalation techniques to ensure client and community safety while adhering to established safety protocols and policies.
• Develop, monitor, and support individualized goals for youth and families, including conducting home visits and off-site services to promote positive familial relationships and client engagement.
• Establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with youth, families, parents, teachers, therapists, community providers, and other internal and external stakeholders, including regular communication via phone, email, and in-person contact.
• Identify, locate, and refer youth and families to appropriate community resources to address identified needs and enhance service outcomes.
• Provide safe transportation for students and parents in accordance with agency policies and safety standards.
• Prepare and complete required court documentation, provide updates to the court, and attend court proceedings, as necessary.
• Participate in local and statewide meetings and maintain ongoing professional development, including cultural competency.
• Collect, track, enter, and report client data, case management outputs, and outcomes in accordance with contract requirements while organizing and maintaining accurate, confidential records.
• Completing court reports, providing the court with updates, and attending court, as necessary.
• Ensure all documentation, data collection, and procedures comply with accreditation, licensing, contractual obligations, and agency policies, including Council on Accreditation standards.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency…