Position Title: TPSN Program Coordinator - Central Chicago Region 

Department: Teen Parenting Service Network (TPSN)

Reports to: TPSN Statewide Associate Vice President

About the Program:

Teen Parenting Service Network (TPSN): is a statewide Network that works exclusively with pregnant and parenting youth in DCFS care and their children. In managing statewide services for pregnant and parenting youth under a single umbrella, UCAN provides seamless service to placement providers and pregnant and parenting youth through a continuum of care. UCAN provides a full scope of clinical, training, education and parenting services designed to help young parents coping with the effects of trauma. UCAN starts by meeting youth where they are at, identifying strengths and building from success. UCAN staff members are trained to identify and treat the effects of trauma while enhancing the parenting capacity of youth so that they can be the best parents that they can be.  

Position Objective and Summary:

TPSN Program Coordinator acts as a liaison to agencies servicing pregnant/parenting youth. This position requires strong emphasis on relationship building and networking with DCFS, case management agencies, specialty providers, and community resources.  Through this position, many recommendations and linkages are made that improve the quality of work and service delivery to our youth and their children. This position makes recommendations, supports service coordination, and participates in complex clinical staffing's to ensure proper implementation of appropriate interventions. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Consultation

• Initiate, build and maintain relationships with case management agencies.  
• Educate case management teams on DCFS Policies and TPSN Procedures that relate to assessment, service provision, documentation, reporting, investigations, etc. for pregnant and parenting youth.
• Educate case management teams on youth rights according to the Hill-Erickson Consent Decree.
• Facilitate monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly staffing's with case management teams; provide guidance and recommendations on pregnant and parenting cases.   
• Facilitate communication between case work agencies and Specialty Providers.
• Assess program needs as it relates to resources and training in working with TPSN youth   and develop a plan to assist and support which may include training.

Case Consultation

• Make recommendations based on clinically and developmentally appropriate, best practice and ethical considerations.
• Advocate for youth needs and rights when attending staffings.
• Provides clinical expertise to the agency and staff when the youth’s placement is unstable or in crisis.

Case Conceptualization

• Make plans and decisions based on clinically and developmentally appropriate, best practice, and ethical considerations.
• Consider any cultural factors that may be impacting the youth, or the appropriateness of services.
• Consults with supervisor, and other clinical team staff and agency consultants.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintains accurate, complete and timely reports and service documentation as required by UCAN and TPSN policy and procedures.
• Enter updates and maintain accurate data in Evolv databases, including documenting all contacts in Evolv within one week of occurrence.
• Reports all critical incidents, incidents of abuse or neglect, and significant incidents to supervisor, management, or DCFS as required by UCAN, TPSN or by mandated reporting law and document events within 24 hours of every intervention.

Education /Job Experience/Certification:

• Master’s degree in social work or a related Human Service field.
• At least 2 years of experience working with pregnant and parenting youth in Child Welfare and Maternal Child Health.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• LCSW or LCPC preferred.

Special Knowledge and Qualifications:

• Is open and respectful of cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and is willing and competent to work with a diverse client population.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a highly functioning team.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Proven ability to work effectively with young parents and their children.
• Experience in working with clients with disabilities and community-based resources.
• Car and valid Illinois driver’s license required. Must be willing to travel.