Child and Family Specialist

Position Summary

Servicing Lee and Whiteside counties, the Child and Family Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing age-appropriate services to meet the special needs of children in the crisis services program. Works with adult clients to enhance parenting skills and conducts activities to strengthen the bond between parent and child. Will also work with significant others of survivors of sexual assault. Provides individual and group services to adults and children. As necessary, links children with appropriate community resources to meet their specific needs. This position requires the use of independent judgement in all service-related responsibilities. They will maintain the highest degree of confidentiality associated with performing the duties of this function. The Child and Family Specialist will also maintain, at all times, a commitment to quality client service on behalf of the YWCA Sauk Valley.

Primary Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Documents all client contact, advocacy, referrals, and community contacts as necessary and according to internal and external requirements including those of external donors and funders from initial contact to the final delivered services;
• Reports suspected cases of child abuse as required under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act;
• Serves as liaison to and on behalf of the client with law enforcement and court officials;
• Maintains client confidentiality as defined in Illinois Domestic Violence Act;
• Participates in staffing assessment of child clients;
• Performs other assignments as required by the Counseling Coordinator, Assistant Director of Crisis Services, or Executive Director.

• Develops a service plan targeted at meeting the child’s specific needs;

• Provides referrals and advocacy for children needing therapy or services from other community organizations;

• Develops and leads parent/child activities to strengthen familial bonds and to model appropriate parenting behaviors;

• Develops parenting education program and implements individual and group parenting programs;

• May facilitate evening support group for client of the crisis services program;

• Provides mandatory 24 hour on-call direct service (hotline, in-shelter and hospital) as part of a staff rotation.

• There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position, unless otherwise assigned by the Counseling Coordinator.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

· Successful completion of 60 hours of mandatory in-house training;

· Some local and national travel may be required;

· Presents to community organizations to build community awareness and to provide education regarding sexual assault and the available program services;

· Assists with staff and volunteer training;

· Shares hotline responsibility and serves on-call on a rotating basis with other staff and responsibility for 24-hour service availability;

· Assists in shelter coverage of varying shifts during holidays and vacations.

Minimum Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent formal training in human services, child development or equivalent combination of education and early childhood experience or related field (may include some combination of post-secondary education, employment or volunteer experience in children’s programming);

· Ability to assess levels of emotional distress in children and adults and respond accordingly;

· Excellent organizational skills;

· Knowledge of child abuse best practices and survivor’s support strategies;

· Excellent computer and technology skills;

· Excellent oral and written communications skills;

· Ability to take initiative and work independently and as part of a team;

· Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both internally and externally;

· Availability to work some evenings and weekends;

· A working telephone;

· Access to reliable transportation;

· A desire for continual personal and professional growth and development;

· Commitment to and support of the YWCA Mission.

Physical & Mental Demands:

The position requires sitting, standing, stooping, bending, walking, climbing, speaking and driving. The functions of this position are varied in nature and require the ability to make clear and concise decisions and to respond in an effective and appropriate manner during crisis.

The YWCA Sauk Valley provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local laws.

YWCA of the Sauk Valley is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Some of our Benifits:

• 10.5% Retirement from the YWCA after one year.
• 4 weeks paid Parental(for mothers and fathers) leave
• Employer pays 80% of Employee insurance premium, Employee pays 20%
• Attainanble direct service hours that support a healthy work/life balance
• Opportunities for professional advancement through continued education and conferences when possible

Time off:

• 5 personal days
• 12 sick days
• 10 vacation days for the first year-15 vacations days after first year
• 1/2 day Fridays in the Summer(June-August)-paid for full day
• Atleast 12 holidays a year

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $43,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Social Work: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $43,000 - $48,000