Family Case Manager, Foster Care

About the role

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is seeking a full-time Child Welfare Specialist to provide comprehensive casework services ensuring the safety and well-being of children while assisting families in meeting minimum parenting standards. This position adheres to state mandates, agency policies, and program plans.

Responsibilities

• Complete and submit required reports, documentation, and billing accurately and timely as per agency and funding source requirements.
• Participate in supervisory processes for guidance, direction, support, and approval of decision-making, assessment, service planning, and intervention.
• Present cases for staffing and conduct family-child team meetings.
• Collaborate with other service providers, schools, and healthcare facilities to promote the child's well-being.
• Assess family service needs and coordinate with community resources to address issues and prevent abuse or neglect.
• Ensure child safety and well-being during service delivery and provide strength-based case management to resolve minor to moderate challenges contributing to risk to children.
• Advocate with medical or governmental institutions as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related human services field required.
• Minimum of one year of related experience required.
• State licensing/certification as required by the state of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (Child Welfare Employee License - CWEL or equivalent).
• Completion of Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP) required.
• Training in KEEP and/or GenerationsPMTO or availability to participate in training, coaching, and certification once hired required.
• Successful completion of CCS Bootcamp and Client-Centered Service Planning and Aftercare Planning Training required.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate families, youth, and foster parents to participate in detailed interventions models.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Organizational and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other related software.
• Background check clearance, both criminal and CANTS required.
• Valid driver’s license, in good standing for the state of residency required.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Proof of valid IL statutory minimum liability insurance coverage required.

Qualifications

• A real passion for working with at-risk children and families.
• Specialty required.
• Availability to participate in training, coaching, and certification once hired.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and other related software.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with data entry and report writing.
• Knowledge of child welfare laws and regulations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities.
• Knowledge of child welfare laws and regulations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

Enjoy the knowledge that you’re helping make a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as these career advantages:

• On-demand flexible paydays through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
• Competitive salary based on relevant education, experience, and licensure ($60,000-$67,000 annually).
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Hybrid position.
• Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees including 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.

Pay

$60,000-$67,000 Annually

Schedule

Monday through Friday