Child Specialist, Families Together

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is a not‑for‑profit organization dedicated to healing, justice, and wholeness for persons and communities. Family Together Child Specialist Full‑time position (Monday through Friday) responsible for immediate engagement with children entering the program to help them understand what has happened, next steps, and to conduct initial assessments. Also responsible for providing and/or coordinating interventions, including TF‑CBT. Essential Functions Provide immediate engagement with children as they enter care, provide trauma‑sensitive explanation of what has happened, set expectations with foster parent (routines, rules, etc.) and answer questions, including parent contacts. Provide comprehensive assessment of client’s physical, developmental, and behavioral health. Participate in developing an individualized whole‑family treatment plan, in conjunction with FT team, child and family. Provide and/or coordinate needed services, including short‑term TF‑CBT therapy for the child and designated caretaker, usually the parents as reunification nears. Assist with crisis management. Complete and submit all required reports, documentation, and billing accurately and timely as required by agency and funding sources, including written reports detailing client’s progress as required by applicable policies/procedures and/or when required by juvenile court. Demonstrate professional, positive behavior and carry out responsibilities with integrity, treating clients, families, other LSSI workforce members, and collaborative organizations and/or individuals in a dignified, respectful, honest, and fair manner. Position Qualifications Master’s degree in social work or related human services field required. Hold the licensed clinical social work (LCSW) credential or its equivalent, or be eligible for a clinical license and working toward completion required. Certified in IM+CANs, or available to participate in IM+CANs training/certification required. Certified in Trauma‑Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF‑CBT), or available to participate in TF‑CBT training and certification required. Background check clearance, both criminal and CANTS required. Demonstrated ability to engage children in a trauma‑sensitive and supportive fashion, including during assessment. Knowledge of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‑V) and its applications. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to work within a team approach. Excellent organizational, presentation, and PC/computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software. Valid driver’s license, in good standing for the state of residency required. Reliable transportation required. Valid IL statutory minimum liability insurance coverage, bodily injury, and property damage required. Benefits And Perks On‑Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet. Competitive salary based on relevant education, experience, and licensure. Salary $60,000–$67,000 annually. Opportunity for advancement. Comprehensive benefits package for full‑time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours. Paid training to learn, grow, and succeed. We are an equal‑opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Lutheran Social Services of Illinois