Child Welfare Specialist

Essential Functions

• Oversee children and families assigned to Lutheran Child and Family Services, providing child welfare services which includes monitoring the child’s well-being, the birth parents' progress towards reunification, facilitating home visits, and communicating appropriate information to foster families.
• Transport child and parents at times in own vehicle. Work evening and some weekends as needed to complete tasks. Travel to high-risk communities as necessary.
• Provide on-call services as assigned. Exercise discretion and sound judgment in performance of duties in conformance with applicable policies, procedures, statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Implement and refer individualized and targeted services for youth and families, such as counseling, respite, mentoring, educational support, case management, crisis intervention, and continual language to services to meet the specialized needs of children/families.
• Collaborate regularly with multi-disciplinary teams and partners for continuous quality improvement, interventions, service delivery, and the achievement of program outcomes.
• Participate in System of Care, including regular clinical and medical staffing meetings and level of care.
• Participate in regular supervision, mediation, problem resolution, and crisis response by effectively responding to parent, child, provider, and other stakeholder concerns and demonstrating the ability to effectively manage crisis and difficult case situations.
• Assess and maintain knowledge of child welfare and population-specific laws, policies, and trends for recommending program adjustments and implementation that aids program effectiveness, children, families, and communities.
• Represent clients' needs and Agency interest to referral sources, DCFS, the judicial system, and governmental agencies.
• Continuously assess the child's needs related to safety, education, medical, and social and psychological well-being. Prepare accurate, timely required written and verbal reports to the court and collateral contact information as appropriate, upholding all consents and confidentiality issues.
• Handle all crisis situations and client complaints with sensitivity and consult with supervisory chain when appropriate to resolve the matter.
• Comply with all requirements regarding utilization of the DCFS electronic record-keeping system (SACWIS).
• Prepare written service plans for each client as required by DCFS contract. Maintain up-to-date and accurate client files and databases, as required by agency/programmatic policies and procedures, professional standards, and external requirements of all relevant, regulatory, licensing, or accrediting bodies.
• Implement, continuous quality improvement in all aspects of performance.
• Engage the child, the birth parents, and the foster parents in competently assessing the dynamics of the relationships and establish a therapeutic alliance. Teach effective parenting skills specific to the needs of the child and family.
• Maintain knowledge of community resources and coordinate appropriate referrals and follow-up as needed and required for child, birth, parents, and foster parents. Establish collaborative relationships with agency team members such as Case Aide, other child welfare specialists, service providers, and institutions.
• Provide a welcoming and receptive environment in all contacts with clients, agency, staff, and collateral contacts.
• Develop understanding and continuously develop self-awareness related to diversity, inclusion, and equity issues.

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

• Bachelor's degree 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: 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. Maintains 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.

LCFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer