Bilingual (Spanish) Cook-DCFS Placement DIMHS

Job Description

Job Description

Bilingual (Spanish) Developmental/Infant Mental Health Specialist for Children in Foster Care- Cook County

Erikson Institute is seeking to hire an experienced clinical professional with knowledge of child development and a background in working with children and families. This person will provide screening and referral services for families with young children where there is identified abuse and/or neglect. This position involves an opportunity to work for an innovative, ongoing state-wide collaboration between the Erikson Institute DCFS Early Childhood Project and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Through this collaboration, Developmental/Infant Mental Health Specialists seek to integrate an understanding of child, parent, family, and trauma history, with the goal of recommending and linking to services to maximize child and family functioning. Assessments are provided both in-person and virtually.

Roles & Responsibilities:

The Developmental/Infant Mental Health Specialist for children in foster care will: conduct developmental assessments of young children birth to age four with their foster parents in Cook County; interpret and document assessment results; and make and follow up on referrals and recommendations for children and their parents to support the family’s functioning. The Developmental/Infant Mental Health Specialist will provide attachment and trauma-informed case consultation to caregivers and DCFS or private agency case managers. This position includes the opportunity to build networks of referral resources, collaborate with early childhood and child welfare systems, and advocate for the needs of young children and families. Ample clinical and professional support is offered through weekly supervision, week group supervision/case presentations, and trainings offered by the program.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in child development, Social Work, Psychology or related field
• Professional licensure such as LSW/LCSW or LPC/LCPC preferred
• Required bilingual fluency (written and verbal) in Spanish and deep bicultural competency within the Latino community.
• Knowledge of child development, infant mental health, social work, and the child welfare system
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English required
• Minimum of two years of clinical or assessment experience in mental health, child welfare or early childhood setting
• Excellent organizational skills
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and access to reliable car for travel as needed
• Available to work Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a minimum of two days per week working onsite at assigned DCFS office locations.

Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.

About Erikson Institute

We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.

Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.

Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).

To learn more, please visit our web site at