Child Welfare Specialist

Child Welfare SpecialistLutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois is seeking a Child Welfare Specialist. This is an exempt position with a salary range of $57,079 - $60,079. The role involves providing child welfare services, monitoring child well-being, facilitating home visits, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams. The specialist will also engage in crisis response, maintain knowledge of child welfare laws, and represent clients' needs to various agencies.Essential Functions:- Oversee children and families assigned to Lutheran Child and Family Services for providing child welfare services.- Exercise discretion and sound judgment in performance of duties.- Implement and refer to individualized services for youth and families.- Collaborate regularly with multi-disciplinary teams and partners.- Actively participate in System of Care and regular supervision.- Represent clients' needs to referral sources, DCFS, the judicial system, and governmental agencies.- Continuously assess the child's needs and prepare reports to the court and collateral contacts.- Comply with all requirements regarding utilization of the DCFS electronic record-keeping system.- Engage the child, birth parents, and foster parents in assessing dynamics and establishing a therapeutic alliance.- Maintain knowledge of community resources and coordinate appropriate referrals.- Provide a welcoming environment in all contacts with clients, agency, staff, and collateral contacts.Knowledge and Ability Requirements:- Ability to drive one's own vehicle and transport children, youth, and adults as needed.- In-depth knowledge of child welfare systems, regulations, and best practices.- Strong case management skills, including assessments, service planning, and progress monitoring.- Ability to advocate for children's rights and best interests within the child welfare system.- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective interaction with families, children, professionals, and agencies.- Ability to provide crisis intervention and support to children and families facing challenging circumstances.Background and Driving Requirements:Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required background checks, including but not limited to criminal background checks and CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System) checks, as required by law and agency policy. Candidates must also possess a reliable vehicle and have a valid driver's license and must not have had a suspended or revoked driver's license within the past three years.Education and Experience:Bachelors in a related human service field with 1 year of related experience in child welfare, case management, or a related role, with a demonstrated track record of expertise in specialized child and family services. A Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL) in IL is required. Proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in English and Spanish preferred.Physical Demands and Other Requirements:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties listed in the job description satisfactorily. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, or controls; reach with hands and arms. Capable of operating standard office equipment, including a computer and keyboard, calculator, typical business machines such as a fax machine and copier. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to have valid driver's license, auto insurance and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. The work environment characteristics include a noise level which is usually low to moderate.Position Responsibilities/Program Execution and Decision Making:- Diversity and Inclusion/Professionalism: In all aspects of their work presents as a role model to others, behaving in a way which actively supports LCFS as a welcoming community, promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace and collaborates with others to further equity and dismantle barriers to a more inclusive experience of community. Participates in annual professional development and/or advocacy regarding inclusion.- Ethical Conduct: Follows all ethics policies and procedures related to program execution and decision making as defined by the agency as well as any related professional licensing, regulatory or accrediting body. Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information. Reports any known or suspected breaches of confidentiality in accordance with policy. Reports possible misconduct or relevant errors/oversight in a timely manner and responsibly addresses related issues with chain of command.- Communication/Interpersonal Skills: Consistently conveys clear, accurate, timely, and respectful communication appropriate for the situation. Informs appropriate management staff when incident occurs or a crisis situation. Maintains professional boundaries with clients/residents, staff, interns, volunteers, and vendors. Able to successfully share skills and concepts with others and works effectively with others under time and environmental pressures.- Safety and Agency Resource Utilization: Demonstrates sound judgement and foresight in safety awareness and in daily work. Notifies, in a timely manner, the supervisory chain of any incidents or circumstances that need attention. Report all suspicions or allegations of abuse immediately to their supervisor. Ensures appropriate utilization of materials and resources and minimizes waste.- Other Responsibilities: All other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.