WHO WE ARE:

Annually serving over 1,400 youth and families, Lawrence Hall is a community-based organization committed to helping Chicago's youth, families, and communities heal from the adverse effects of childhood trauma. For more than 150 years, Lawrence Hall has been delivering high-quality care throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and is a statewide leader in highly effective, evidence-based, and innovative therapeutic treatment. Their core programs-Child and Family Treatment Center, Therapeutic Day School, Creative Therapies, Foster Care, Transitional/Independent Living Program, Workforce Development, and Community Wellness-have met the changing and complex needs of youth and families by not only becoming more community based, but also by developing more preventative programs that help curb violence in Chicago's communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reporting to the Placement Services Coordinator, the Permanency Achievement Specialist conducts interviews and assessments to complete the DCFS related subsidy forms. Compiles documents from the field needed to finalize the subsidy process. Establishes rapport with external stakeholders to ensure the employee remains current on permanency policy and procedures. Requires knowledge of trauma exposure, knowledge of the 5 S's of trauma: Safety, Self-Regulation/Soothing, Supportive, Strengths, Self-Care, and an understanding of and recognition of the signs of traumatic stress. Must be able to effectively use both verbal and physical intervention skills with individuals six (6) through twenty-one (21) years of age. Physical intervention skills require the ability to kneel and return to standing without assistance. Flexible schedule required as this position may require work outside of normal business hours occasionally.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides consultation regarding permanency issues; identifies and removes barriers to permanency, working to secure appropriate placements for children; monitors and takes action to complete permanencies with children waiting for reunification or adoption/subsidized guardianship
• Assists the worker with the facilitation of community resources to prepare the home of parent
• Assists the worker with post adoption, Guardianship connection to the DCFS unit prior to finalization
• Works to secure additional service resources in a timely manner to expedite permanency
• When reunification is not possible, assists the worker in listing children for adoption with Greenlight or the applicable Adoption registry
• Assists the worker to complete required documentation and home study to begin the Adoption or Sub Guardianship subsidy process
• Submits, monitors, and follows up with the needs of the subsidy packet pending DCFS approval
• Supports the worker with completion of ICPC documentation to IDCFS needed for out of state permanency options for children with relatives and licensed potential adoptive families, and work with the receiving state to eliminate barriers
• Provides linkages between caseworkers, recruitment resource specialists, adoptions staff and community providers to expedite and finalize the permanency process and ensures all necessary actions and reviews have taken place to facilitate positive permanency outcomes
• Uses active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy, avoiding negative and derogatory labels that foster disrespect
• Understand that behaviors, responses, attitudes, and emotions are a collection of survival skills often developed in response to traumatic experiences
• Maintain confidentiality of employees, volunteers, and program participants to provide a safe environment
• Attend at least two trainings related to being trauma informed in a twelve-month period
• Ability to work effectively with program participants and family members, employees and vendors in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recovery
• Maintains electronic calendar to provide accounting for daily activities and provides permissions for viewing to the appropriate individuals

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related human service field
• Child Welfare License preferred but not required
• Ability to engage with families
• Ability to use computer to complete all documentation
• Experience working with children and youth with special needs as well as experience or training in Reunification, Adoption and Sub-Guardianship
• Must pass State of Illinois written exam on Licensing Standards for Foster Family Homes (402), the Child Care Act
• Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferred
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, positive youth development/strengths-based approach preferred
• Personal vehicle or access to vehicle and proof of insurance
• Valid Illinois/Indiana/Wisconsin Driver's license
• No history of child abuse or neglect
• Ability to pass background and drug screen

Highlighted benefits

• Provides full time employees 2 times their salary in term life insurance for no additional cost
• Reimburses your gym memberships up to $20 per month to aid on your overall fitness and health
• Offers 100% match up to 3% on your retirement savings after 1 year of service
• All employees start off with an average of 17-25 days of PTO
• Employee Referral Program gives employees an opportunity to receive up to $1500 for referring candidates
• 9 paid holidays off

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not meet all listed qualifications. We look forward to your application. 

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt