CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST, SPECIALIZED FOSTER CARE

BASIC FUNCTION:   This Child Welfare Specialist position has primary responsibility for managing specialized foster care cases.  However, he/she will have a blended caseload that may include home of relative, traditional and aftercare cases.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assesses the strengths and needs of clients, initially and throughout the period of service provision.

• Oversees the development, monitoring, review, and modification of service and treatment planning.  Directs implementation of client service and treatment goals.

• Provides individual, family, and group counseling and/or therapy in accordance with the service/treatment plans of individual clients.

• In accordance with the service/treatment goals, provides case management, advocacy, and support that will protect and promote permanency for children; preserve and reunite families when that is in the best interests of children; and enhance the mental health of children and families alike.

• Completes all required documentation according to agency guidelines for completeness, accuracy, and timeliness.

• Represents the agency in a positive light to active and potential clients, referral and funding sources, and the general public.  Utilizes community contacts to advocate for clients and to promote child and family welfare.

• Complies with all pertinent state and federal laws, DCFS rules and procedures, and the Code of Ethics for Child Welfare Professionals.

• Enhances professional competence through ongoing awareness of developments in the field of child welfare.  Assists with training, supervision, and evaluations of student interns.  Assists with the training of new staff.

• Contributes to quality improvement through participation in Quality Improvement activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

• Two years of work experience providing foster care case management.  Prefer experience with specialized foster care as well as traditional, home of relative, and aftercare.

• Knowledge of and skills necessary to apply the principles of child welfare and mental health treatment to specific cases.

• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends.

• Physical ability to maintain the safety and well being of children for whom there is responsibility.

• Must pass DCFS drug screen and background checks and meet DCFS driver eligibility requirements.

• Ability to and enter the homes of families in the service area and use personal car for agency travel requirements.

• Demonstrated competence in serving a culturally diverse population.   Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse workforce.

• Ability to communicate effectively with client population.

• Ability to work cooperatively with staff within The Baby Fold, as well as with necessary collateral contacts.

WORK HOURS:  Full-time exempt position; Hours to be scheduled by supervisor.   

LOCATION:  612 Oglesby, Normal, IL 61761   

To apply, print out an application and send to:

Human Resources

The Baby Fold

108 E. Willow St.

Normal, IL 61761

Fax: (309) 451-7289

Applications are also available at this address. 

The Baby Fold is an Equal Opportunity Employer.