Child Welfare Specialist

LCFS; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance/reimbursement

Employer paid licensure (LCSW/LCPC)

University tuition discounts (Chamberl

Lewis University 20% discount

National Louis University 10% discount

Leadership training & development

Public Loan Forgiveness program

Job summary

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois seeks a dedicated Child Welfare Specialist in Decatur, IL. The role involves implementing client service plans, coordinating with foster care teams, and engaging with courts and agencies to safeguard children. Strong writing, communication, and confidentiality are essential.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s in Social Work or related field; MSW or related graduate degree preferred for higher levels. Valid IL driver’s license required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field required.
• MSW or related graduate degree (or 2 years related Child Welfare experience for Specialist II/7 years for Specialist III).
• All employees must enroll in foundations training and become licensed as a Child Welfare Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Implements client service plan and evaluates progress with supervision.
• Develops knowledge of community resources to assist clients.
• Represents clients’ needs to referral sources, DCFS, the judicial system and governmental agencies.

Skills

Communication skills

Writing skills

Organi­zational skills

Confidentiality

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work

MSW or related graduate degree

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

Gain a meaningful career helping children and families thrive. If you have a desire to help others, this might be the place for you. Join our welcoming environment and make an impact!

The team at LCFS brings their best to the important work of strengthening families and building futures for children and parents. As a leading child welfare agency with 16 locations across Illinois, our mission is to nurture and strengthen children and families in need. Be a part of a team that is a leader in innovative best practice and strong child welfare outcomes!

Full Time Employee Benefits

Professional Development/ Training and Support

Health and Wellness

Work/Life Balance

Life Insurance & Disability Insurance

Employee Recognition/Staff Engagement

• Tuition Assistance/ Reimbursement Program (up to $3,000/year after first year of employment)
• Employer paid licensure for LCSW and LCPC
• University tuition discount available upon hire:
• Chamberlain University: 10% discount
• Lewis University: 20% discount
• National Louis University: 10% discount
• Extensive Leadership Training and Professional Development Classes
• LGBTQ+ Training
• Supervisory support
• Public Loan Forgiveness Organization

Equal Opportunity Employer

LCFS is an equal opportunity employer and consideration for employment is made without regard to: race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. EEOC_KnowYourRights

Position:Child Welfare Specialist

Location: Decatur, IL

Job Id:2189

# of Openings:1

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois

What We Do

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois improves the well-being of people across the state by protecting children, strengthening families and building futures for those who have experienced trauma. We do this as a leading provider of a variety of child welfare services. LCFS is a welcoming organization serving children, individuals, families and communities of all faiths, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender expressions and gender-identifications.

Who We Are

• Champions in supporting children, youth and families throughout Illinois so they are able to reach their full potential.
• Dynamic and innovative leadership who believe in collaboration with their team of professionals and are revolutionizing the impact on services to families.
• A community which embraces and is committed to being WIDE (welcoming, inclusive, diverse and equitable).
• Impacting the child welfare community by addressing institutional racism and implicit bias to increase positive outcomes for children and families of color.
• Creating a culture focused on supporting families and ensuring all children find safe, loving permanent homes, particularly by reuniting them with their families.

Join the team of professionals providing excellent care to children and families!

• Child Welfare Specialist
• Implements client service plan and evaluate progress, with regular supervision of the Specialized Foster Care Supervisor.
• Develops a working knowledge of community resources which is used in serving clients.
• Represents clients’ needs and Agency interest to referral sources, DCFS, the judicial system and governmental agencies.
• Attends all court dates, ACR’s and other staffing onbehalf of the client.
• Met with supervisor weekly for supervision ofcaseload.
• Performs the required duties of the position within thephilosophy, policies and procedures of the agency.
• Manages time and workload effectively, including thetimely completion of all necessary paperwork including
• statistics.
• Assumes responsibility for professional development byattending trainings within and outside the agency.
• Works effective with the child welfare team includingthe supervisor, counselors, other case workers, andaids.
• Develops effective working relationships with Foster Parents, Biological Parents and other important people in the child’s life.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

1.Demonstrate understanding of the line of authority within the Agency.

2. Demonstrate understanding of the purpose of the caseworker position in relation to the other team members of the Foster Care staff.

3. Demonstrate good writing skills for case notes and documents concerning records of the clients.

4. Demonstrate the ability to relate well to a wide variety of personalities.

6. Keeps information confidential.

7. Demonstrate good organizational skills to keep files in order.

8. Demonstrate the willingness to take training and supervision well.

9. Demonstrate good communication skills to work effectively as part of the team.

10. Demonstrate a positive, supportive attitude in relating to staff and clients.

11. Demonstrate the ability to be open and accepting of other’s ethnicities, races and genders.

EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Child Welfare Specialist I: Entry level-Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field

Child Welfare Specialist II: MSW or related graduate degree (refer to DCFS Policy) or Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years of Child Welfare Experience

Child Welfare Specialist III: MSW or related graduate degree with 5 years of related experience or Bachelor’s Degree with 7 years of related experience.

All employees must enroll, successfully complete foundations training, and become licensed as a Child Welfare Specialist. Valid Illinois Driver’s License and auto insurance required.

PHYSICAL AND SPECIAL DEMANDS

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. Objects include 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 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may work in and/or visit Agency offices throughout Illinois and must be able to transport him/herself to these sites. The employee is required to have a valid driver’s license and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle.

LCFS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We expect the LCFS organizational culture to be color cognizant, believing in the importance of racial and ethnic differences because of their profound impact on individuals, groups, communities and society, as well as acknowledging the accompanying widespread racism and discrimination in our broader society. We expect that within the organization there be explicit, productive conversations about the role of race and culture in the work we do, as well as advocacy for addressing the social injustices that result from systemic racism.