Family Services Specialist

About the role

Addus Home Care strives to help older adults and people with disabilities to live safe and healthy lives at home. In this job, you will assist families in crisis through DCFS programs including Family Habilitation Services, Visitation, and Housing. Family Service Specialists provide services that help families comply with court‑ordered program participation and work through difficult situations. Training is provided through the office and on‑the‑job.

Responsibilities

• Support families to prevent the permanent placement of children out of their home.
• Provide transportation for parent and/or children to and from locations for supervised visitation; travel can be extensive.
• Work directly with families in the home, teaching and demonstrating homemaking skills, parenting skills, anger management, and utilization of effective resources.
• Conduct supervised and unsupervised visitation; observe all interactions between parents and children during visits and redirect if needed.
• Prepare written reports and maintain accurate records.
• Submit written client progress reports on a monthly basis, including:
  • Scheduled dates and units of service
  • Specific goals/issues to be addressed for each date of service
  • Documentation as to whether each appointment was successful or missed
  • Reports of progress for each identified goal
  • Recommendations for future service
• Report all child abuse and neglect.
• Attend all mandated trainings.
• For families or emancipated foster children in the housing program, locate housing, jobs, and other community supports for independent living.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s degree or 2 years of child welfare experience required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Experience in social work, child care, or working with families preferred.
• Must have a dependable automobile, a valid driver’s license, and proof of auto insurance.
• Must pass required background checks.