What are the responsibilities and job description for the Permanency Achievement Specialist position at Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley?
Position Summary:
Supports permanency outcomes for children by assisting with documentation, coordination, and service delivery related to reunification, adoption, and guardianship.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related human services field
- CWEL preferred (not required)
- Experience with reunification, adoption, and/or subsidized guardianship preferred
- Experience working with children with special needs preferred
- Strong ability to engage with families and collaborate with service providers
- Proficient in computer systems and documentation
- Valid Illinois Driver’s License and ability to pass background check
- Ability to pass Illinois Licensing Standards (402) Child Care Act exam
Key Responsibilities:
- Permanency Coordination
- Provide consultation on permanency planning and identify barriers
- Support caseworkers in securing appropriate placements and achieving permanency goals
- Assist with adoption listings (e.g., Greenlight) when reunification is not possible
- Coordinate post-adoption and guardianship connections with DCFS
- Assist with home studies and required documentation for adoption/guardianship subsidies
- Support ICPC documentation and coordination for out-of-state placements
- Facilitate collaboration between caseworkers, adoption staff, and community partners
- Complete legal screening processes for termination of parental rights and guardianship
- Direct Services
- Provide transportation and supervise family visits as assigned
- Maintain communication with parents, foster parents, and service providers
- Participate in case staffing with supervisor and team
- Complete home study interviews for prospective adoptive/guardianship families
- Respond to voicemail and communications in a timely manner
- Administrative & Organizational Duties
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation, service tickets, and visitation records
- Monitor and respond to email daily
- Maintain and share an up-to-date Outlook calendar
- Participate in agency meetings, trainings, and supervision
- Contribute to Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives
Core Competencies:
- Strong communication skills
- Organization and attention to detail
- Self-motivated with ability to work independently
- Team-oriented
- Computer proficiency
- Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley believes that all people deserve inclusivity, fairness, and justice. We believe that both the success of our team and the wellness of our community is strongest by recognizing the qualities that make each person unique, including race, gender, age, sexuality, ability, religion, national origin, gender identity and other identities. The YSB team values and respects each other and our community as we proudly serve.