Child Welfare Specialist

Position Summary Under the direction of a Team Supervisor, this position is responsible for providing comprehensive home-based case management services to assigned families with the goal of promoting safety, wellbeing and stability, in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) requirements and Intact Family Services and Family First Prevention Services Act. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Intake and Assessment Conduct thorough intakes and comprehensive psychosocial assessments of newly enrolled participants, ensure all required intake/enrollment documentation is complete, and confirm that participants understand program policies and procedures. Respond promptly to new IFS referrals by participating in the supervisory hand-off and transitional visit within the specified timeframe. Within the first 5 working days, complete a safety and family risk assessment on all assigned family cases. Within the first 40 days, complete an integrated assessment and a Child Adolescent Needs Assessment (CANS) on all assigned family cases, which will inform and support the development of a comprehensive, individualized family service plan. Engagement and Service Planning Within 45 days develop a comprehensive, individualized family service plan in collaboration with the assigned family, addressing safety, wellbeing and stability needs. Ensure that service plans reflect specific issues/needs, all service planning activities/goals, and clear timelines for achieving service goals. Collaborate with families to regularly evaluate and/or modify service plans to address any issues or barriers impacting progress. Participant Service Delivery Provide case management services to an average of 10-12 families under the guidance of an assigned supervisor. Conduct weekly or twice a month face‑to‑face home visits to monitor family well‑being, review service provision activities, and ensure safety of children. For mandated court‑involved family cases, appear in court to testify regarding the family’s progress, prepare progress reports as required, and attend school staffing or other family‑related meetings. Arrange or provide transportation for participants when needed. Respond timely to case‑related emergencies during evenings or weekends if required. Partnerships and Linkage to Community Resources Maintain awareness of community resources suitable for child, youth and family needs, and use them through referral and follow‑up. In consultation with a supervisor, refer participants (children and/or caregivers) to appropriate social service providers and community partners. Maintain regular contact with partners, advocate as needed, and ensure a timely and effective referral and linkage process. Documentation Document all case management activities promptly using approved forms/database. Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and updated case activity/entry notes in SACWIS, reflecting all direct and indirect services provided, including interventions and contacts with participants, close family members, significant others, and other service providers. Maintain participant files in full accordance with IDCFS and agency requirements, and submit monthly caseload statistics or other relevant reports as required. Performance & Quality Management Demonstrate knowledge of Intact Family program requirements, COA accreditation best practice standards, and Illinois Department of Children and Family Services rules and procedures (Part 302.388). Adhere to agency policies, procedures, best practice standards, and funder requirements. Incorporate the agency mission, philosophy, and core values into daily work and decision‑making. Participate actively in the agency’s Performance Quality Improvement process. Foster positive collaborative relationships with agency staff and community partners, cultivate a professional respectful work environment, and actively participate in weekly supervision, staff meetings, mandatory DCFS trainings, and other professional development training as needed. General Requirements Sensitivity to cultural diversity is required. Candidates will be subject to drug and alcohol screening, as well as aptitude and skills testing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform essential functions. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) from an accredited college or university with at least one year of social service experience, OR a Bachelor’s degree in a related human services field with at least two years of social service experience. Must successfully complete the IDCFS Foundation training and pass Intact Specialty exams to obtain child welfare licensure. Language Skills Bilingual in Spanish and English is preferred. Computer Literacy and KSAs Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Publisher, and Excel is required. College‑level math skills are required to accurately prepare and analyze data, including fiscal and statistical reports. Operating Environment and Working Relationships The Child Welfare Specialist will provide services predominantly in the homes of participants and will interface regularly with various public and private organizations, social service agencies, etc. Must testify in legal proceedings when needed and attend case staffing meetings throughout the metropolitan Chicago area. Must develop and maintain positive professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders, demonstrate tact, composure, and diplomacy, and work collaboratively with diverse populations. Must create and maintain a congenial work environment within the IFS program. Decision Making Authority Under the guidance of a Supervisor, the Child Welfare Specialist demonstrates the ability to work independently in executing tasks, utilizing good judgment and sound decision‑making. In the absence of an assigned supervisor, the Program Director will be consulted. People Management This position does not directly supervise others. Other Requirements Access to a car, a valid Illinois driver’s license, and insurance to conduct regular in‑home visitation; personal cellphone required with availability during working and non‑working hours; personal cellphone usage policy applies. Must possess exceptional time management, organizational, relational, and communication skills. Must be able to travel to other locations throughout the city or state as part of professional development trainings, conferences, or other events. Remote Work / Technology Eligible for remote work and requires the use of personal mobile phone. Reference Casa Central’s Flexible Work Arrangement Policy for reimbursement information. Physical Demands Regularly required to sit, talk, and hear, use hands; must lift and carry up to 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Work Environment Environment characteristics typically involve moderate noise levels. Disclaimer The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. The content of this job description is not intended to be exhaustive. #J-18808-Ljbffr