Family Therapist, Therapeutic Foster Care

About the role

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families in the State of Illinois. LSSI is hiring a full-time Therapeutic Foster Care Family Therapist responsible for providing a full range of therapeutic services to families in the TFC Program in accordance with the integrated assessment, permanency plan, and assessed therapeutic needs of the child and family. Services are provided within an evidence-based model of treatment foster care using a trauma-informed approach.

Responsibilities

• Participate in developing a comprehensive, Medicaid compliant, assessment of family’s therapeutic needs.
• Participate in an individualized, Medicaid compliant, treatment plan in conjunction with the TFC Team, child, and family, considering reasons for child/family involvement in the child welfare system, safety and risk concerns, and the permanency/step down/service plan.
• Teach behavioral approaches and parenting skills to the child’s birth family and/or stepdown family, including instruction, practice, observation, and coaching during family visits.
• Provide services primarily in the community, typically in the step-down home and/or birth home of the child.
• Lead family finding efforts if the child does not have an identified aftercare family.
• Complete and submit all required reports, documentation, and Medicaid billing accurately and timely, including written session notes and reports detailing client progress as required by policy, procedure, or juvenile court.
• Participate in the on-call, crisis intervention response for the TFC Team.
• Demonstrate professional, positive behavior and carry out responsibilities with integrity, treating clients, families, workforce members, and collaborative organizations with dignity, respect, honesty, and fairness.

Position Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work or other related human services field required.
• Background check clearance, both criminal and CANTS required.
• Licensed clinical social work (LCSW) credential or its equivalent required, or eligible for a clinical license and working toward completion.
• IM+CANS certified or available to participate in training and certification required.
• Trained in Treatment Foster Care of Oregon (TFCO) model or available to participate in TFCO training after hire.
• Certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), or available to participate in TF-CBT training and certification.
• State licensing/certification as required by the State of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, including completing documentation in the organization’s Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Demonstrated ability to motivate children and their families to participate in the highly detailed treatment model and to provide services using a team approach.
• Knowledge and experience with DSM-V and its applications preferred.
• Excellent organization, presentation, and PC/computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and related software.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing for the state of residency required.
• Access to reliable transportation required.
• Valid IL statutory minimum liability insurance coverage, bodily injury, and property damage required.

Benefits

• On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience, and licensure. Salary $33–$35/hour.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• 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.
• The paid training you need to learn, grow, and succeed.