What are the responsibilities and job description for the CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST (FC) position at CHILDRENS HOME ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS?
About Children’s Home Association of Illinois (CHAIL):
CHAIL is a youth, family, and community focused non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization with multiple locations and 400 staff, located in Peoria, IL. For over 159 years CHAIL has been helping the kids and families who need it most. Children’s Home Association of Illinois (CHAIL) is the largest social service agency for youth and families in downstate Illinois. The services we provide don’t just impact the individual child, they create positive ripple effects within their immediate family, neighborhood, community, and world by providing an opportunity to thrive.
Here at CHAIL, employees experience a “People First - Culture of Care” working atmosphere. From the most tenured staff to the newest team member, everyone is welcomed into a community that prioritizes diversity, equity, wellness, belonging, and good health. Starting with our CEO/President and migrating to every employee, this agency takes pride in taking care of each other. We believe if our employees are cared for, they can better live out the mission of the agency which is to help the kids and families who need it most. By putting our people first at CHAIL, they have the opportunity to share their expertise, talents, and passions with clients as they are changing the lives of the kids who will change the world. Our employees at CHAIL will tell you that they love working for the agency because they love what the agency does!
About the position:
The Foster Care Child Welfare Specialist involves providing casework services to children and families involved with the foster care system and their foster families. They will provide reunification services and permanency planning to assigned clients
Job Function:
In this position a Child Welfare Specialist would provide direct case management services to assigned clients and families, including assessments, service plan development and implementation, court representation and thorough documentation of services. They must have the ability to thoroughly assess client needs and develop effective interventions which utilize client strengths and input. They provide counseling, mentoring and life skills training, as needed. They monitor the safety and well-being of assigned clients through monthly in-home contacts. They assure all medical, educational and clinical needs are met of all assigned clients. The CWS provides crisis management services in order to increase stability and personal functioning. They consult with treatment team members, as well as other involved parties, in order to plan, provide and monitor effective treatment and service provision.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology or related field is required.
- 2 or more years experience in child welfare preferred.
- Experience or other training preparing an individual to work with families and youth involved with DCFS.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences in clients, staff, foster parents and families served.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work within a treatment team.
- Ability to handle job related manners in a professional, diplomatic and confidential manner.
- Thorough knowledge of community resources and services.
- Ability to organize and execute responsibilities in an independent manner.
- Hearing and speaking ability which allows for effective oral communication of information.
- Ability to physically transport self and clients to various locations.
- Physical and emotional stamina to effectively handle job related issues and stress.
Benefits: - PTO (paid-time-off) accrual 3 weeks first year (full-time)
- 9 paid holidays
- 1 floating holiday
- Sick Leave accrual 12 days per year (full-time)
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Traditional and Roth 401K option with company match
- Company paid life insurance, STD and LTD
- Supplemental life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Referral Program
- Opportunity to Further Education
CHAIL provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Salary : $25 - $26
