Case Worker - Child Welfare Specialist

FamilyCore; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust Medical (HDHP or PPO)

Dental and Vision Benefits

Employer funded Health Savings Account

Life Insurance & AD&D

Voluntary Life Insurance

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Paid Time Off (PTO)

11 Paid Holidays, including a Floating

Job summary

FamilyCore seeks a dedicated Child Welfare Specialist to provide in-person support to families, coordinate visits, and facilitate service plans aimed at family reunification or permanency. You will document case progress and work closely with DCFS rules and agency procedures.

Must have a Bachelor’s in social work and at least 2 years of experience, along with a valid Illinois driver’s license and strong communication skills. A team‑oriented, culturally competent approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in social work required.
• 2 years' experience required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Valid Illinois Driver's License and vehicle insurance are required.
• Ability to work with diverse families and maintain professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-person contact and support to parents, children, and foster parents.
• Coordinate parent and child visitation.
• Identify, locate, refer, and coordinate services to children and families.
• Create and facilitate service plans.
• Maintain program equipment and work area.
• Develop and maintain accurate documentation and client records.
• Utilize the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System for documentation and tracking.
• Attend meetings and staffings as required.
• Prepare court reports and attend court as required.

Skills

MS Word

Outlook

Excel

Communication skills

Teamwork

Time management

Cultural competency

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work

Tools

Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System

Job description

FamilyCore understands that strong families are at the heart of any vibrant, tight‑knit community. Through the mission of "instilling hope by creating the right balance of resources and care to foster and equip healthy productive children and families," our 90 dedicated employees are committed to the investment of strengthening families with the tools and ties to succeed.

Our team works with schools, the court system and other social service agencies to connect counseling, intervention, preventative education, and other support services for families in need. FamilyCore, a private, non‑profit, nationally accredited social service agency with over 120 years of service, takes a holistic approach in its continuum of care, often providing boosts of support to multiple generations. The end goal is to maintain the integrity of the family.

Be a part of this goal by joining the FamilyCore Team!

Benefits for Full-Time Employees:

• Newly hired employees are eligible for benefits on the first day of the month following one month of service
• Robust Medical (HDHP or PPO), Dental and Vision Benefits
• Employer funded Health Savings Account
• Basic Life Insurance & Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability & Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 11 Paid Holidays, including a Floating Holiday
• Additional Paid Leave for All Workers Act Leave (For Full-time and Part-time Employees)
• Culture supporting Work/Life Balance
• 401k Plan (3% Employer Contribution After Vested)
• Professional Development Opportunities, including Tuition Reimbursement
• Health, Wellness and Financial Educational Resources
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
• Confidential Employee Assistance Program

About this Role:

Provide Child Welfare services to children and families in order to achieve family reunification or permanency as well as support the mission of FamilyCore.

Responsibilities:

• Provide in-person contact and support to parents, children, and foster parents.
• Coordinate parent and child visitation.
• Identify, locate, refer, and coordinate services to children and families.
• Create and facilitate service plans.
• Maintain program equipment and work area.
• Develop and maintain accurate and confidential documentation, reports, and client records in accordance with Department of Children and Family Services Rule and Procedure, contracts and applicable standards.
• Adhere to standards adopted through Council on Accreditation.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with all internal and external clients.
• Utilize the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System for documentation and tracking.
• Conduct and arrange Child and Family team meetings.
• Attend meeting and staffings as required.
• Prepare court reports and attends court as required.
• Adhere to Department of Children and Family Services Rules and Procedures per foster care contract.
• Ensure safety protocols and policies are practiced at all times.
• Assume responsibility for professional development and cultural competency.
• *Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in social work required.
• 2 years' experience required.

Competency:

• Basic proficiency in MS Word, Outlook and Excel required. PowerPoint is preferred.
• Child Welfare Education for Leadership licensed or ability to obtain licensure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Basic academic skills required.
• Strong interpersonal, problem solving, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries with clients.
• Ability to organize and maintain data and confidential information.
• Ability to establish and maintain a client focus.
• Must possess valid Illinois Driver's License in good standing and proof of valid vehicle insurance.
• Must pass required background check with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
• Must pass background checks with Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Health Care Worker Registry, and Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services OIG Provider Sanctions.
• CPR and First Aid certification required.
• Must complete child passenger safety training.
• Safe, reliable personal vehicle, to be used for FamilyCore business, including transporting clients.
• Ability to be sensitive and understanding of cultural and lifestyle differences of all people regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, or background.
• Utilize time tracking software and all other software required to fulfill duties.
• Successfully complete FamilyCore training as required.

Physical:

• Frequent sitting, walking, standing, grasping, fingering, and lifting, pulling and pushing up to 45 lbs.
• Regular reaching. Occasional stooping, reaching overhead, and other physical activities related to an office environment.
• Operate general office equipment, including multi-line phone, fax machine, printer, copier, and personal computer, with or without dual screens.
• Perform all job requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment:

• Work occurs in and out of an office environment.
• Frequently exposed to loud noise and outdoor weather conditions.
• May be subject to distraction and interruptions.
• May be subject to difficult client interactions that involve behavioral and/or emotional challenges.

FamilyCore is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

*Clarification for 'Other duties as assigned': This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Note: Applicable law does not allow FamilyCore to hire/employ persons that have been declared a sexually dangerous person or that have been convicted of certain crimes. (See, e.g. 89 Ill. Adm. Code 385.10 et seq. for further detail).