Why become an Emergency Foster Parent with SOS Illinois?At SOS Illinois we are committed to keeping brothers and sisters in foster care together by providing safe, stable, and loving homes. We do this by offering an innovative approach to traditional foster care. Our model of care provides a private, single-family home, access to a community center, and support from professionally trained Foster Parents and staff. With this, the children we serve benefit from the stability of remaining with their siblings as well as the support of neighboring SOS Illinois Foster Parents and the entire community.

What are our Emergency Foster Parent Benefits?

• Competitive Healthcare plans through BCBS for you and your dependents (eligible the first of the following month after 30 days of full-time employment)
• Vision/Dental/Life Insurance offerings
• Flexible PTO (paid time off in the form of vacation days, sick time, personal days, and weekly Relief time)
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403b Retirement Savings Plan (nonprofit version of 401K). Able to contribute immediately upon full-time employment. In addition, the organization will contribute 4% to your savings plan after 12 months of full-time employment regardless of if you are contributing
• Part of the federal student loan forgiveness program
• Access to financial advisors and financial education tools
• Tuition reimbursement options and opportunities for further education as well as time to attend trainings/workshops/etc. for personal/professional development 
• Performance reviews, coaching and mentoring
• Corporate culture that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Employee Referral Bonuses
• Work for an impactful organization with a purpose
• The salaried rate ($25,000/year base salary plus bonus potential pending eligibility) is offered as part of a full benefits package for the full-time Foster Parent position that is not offered to part-time Relief Parents or Foster Parent Trainees (who are paid at an hourly rate of $15.40/hr). It includes room and board, the opportunity to qualify for healthcare benefits (after 90 days of full-time employment), and a retirement savings plan in addition to the salary. 

The Role:

The Emergency Foster Parent provides a stable and healing home environment for youth in need, typically short-term for emergency purposes. Residing in an SOS Children’s Villages Illinois (SOS Illinois) home at our Chicago Village, the Emergency Foster Parent will work with other SOS Illinois Professional Foster Parents providing Relief when they do not have a placement of their own. 

Responsibilities:

• Reside in an SOS Illinois Village home and provide a stable, healthy, clean, safe, and secure home environment for youth during uncertain times of emergencies as needed.
• Provide emergency/short term foster placement to children who are at immediate risk of entering temporary foster care at short notice and may provide care up to 30 days.
• Ensure that the children receive proper medical, dental, and emotional care, including administering prescribed medications as needed, and documenting all such interactions. Complete all required documentation related to medical incidents/reports, and medication management as required by the Agency and DCFS. Ensure the child's participation in mental health services as required.
• Ensure the educational growth and plans for the children are carried out as best as possible without disruption. A pro-active attitude and response are required such as active participation in the school, setting expectations for attendance and performance, active participation in homework and enrichment programs, advocating for children’s needs, and the willingness to serve as a surrogate parent for special education needs.
• Provide transportation to and from required service appointments, school and visitation when scheduled.
• Attend court, Administrative Case Reviews and related conferences as required.
• Maintain timely and accurate records such as household budget, children's progress records, health records while they are in your care and transfer documents appropriately when a placement transition is made. 
• Represent SOS Illinois in a professional manner to the public and guests, including maintaining an attitude of respect and understanding toward the parents of the youth. 
• Provide Relief in other SOS Illinois sibling foster care homes when you do not have a placement of your own. This involves assisting SOS Illinois Professional Foster Parents in providing care, whether in their absence or presence, in services to the children including transportation of children to recreational activities, homework assistance, therapy, and additional supervision of the children. 
• Provide responsible, "parental" supervision, monitoring, care and direction for the children consistent with the SOS Professional Foster Parent's methodology in the SOS Professional Foster Parent's absence. Carrying on the normal structure and routine in the absence of the SOS Professional Foster Parent. 
• Maintain written documentation necessary for internal files and contractual obligations. 
• Prepare meals, do laundry, and assist the youth with appropriate maintenance of the home and attend to the general orderliness and neatness as would normally occur during the shift in which relief work is scheduled. 
• Assist case management staff with adequate supervision and monitoring of parental or sibling visitation according to family service plan.
• Communicating with the SOS Illinois Professional Foster Parents as to events during their absence. 
• Comply with all SOS Illinois policies, state, federal, county and city laws, rules and regulations.
• Maintain SOS Illinois cell phone charged and readily available.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 25 years of age.
• Previous childcare experience.
• Physical demands include lifting small children and moving up and down stairs within the home.
• Cleared DCFS required Criminal, child abuse, and sexual offender registry background check.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license with acceptable driving record and proof of automobile insurance coverage.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to relate to the Agency staff and to the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work live-in 24/7 hours during designated emergency period.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential materials.
• Ability to work in an alcohol, tobacco, drug, and firearm-free environment.
• Commitment to SOS Children’s Village Illinois philosophy and mission.

ADA DISCLAIMER/STATEMENT: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. Position responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job. This position description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties requested by management. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGE is an equal opportunity employer. Employment, assignment, and promotion practices are carried out in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, physical handicap, social handicap, sex, age, or ancestry.