Foster Care Caseworker

Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Rockford, Illinois is seeking an individual passionate about foster care to manage a caseload of children. Responsibilities include assessing children's needs and maintaining ongoing contact with both children and families. Candidates should have a BA in Human Services and two years of relevant experience, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office. This is a full-time, exempt position emphasizing community well-being and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Two years of human services experience is required.
• Must pass required licensing exams.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences is essential.

Responsibilities

• Carry a caseload of children in placement.
• Assess needs of children and families.
• Maintain contact with children and families.

Skills

Caring attitude

Attention to detail

Passion for helping children

Education

BA in Human Services

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Join us! Help make a difference in the world of Foster Care. We need caring, attentive, passionate individuals to join our team.

Qualifications

BA in Human Services with two years of human services experience. A passing grade on required licensing exams. Computer knowledge including proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Access), plus keyboarding. Sensitivity and responsiveness to the cultural differences of individuals and families in groups outside one's own.

Classification

Exempt Full-time

Reports to

Foster Care Supervisor

Summary

Carries a caseload of children in placement and follows a service plan

Duties for Direct Services

With Child in Placement:

• Maintain ongoing contact with child as determined by service plan.


• Assess childs needs (emotional, physical, intellectual, spiritual, cultural), in placement, community and with his/her natural family.


• Ensure childs needs are met through YSB programs or linkage with outside agencies.


• Monitor childs performance, progress and adaptation in placement, with natural family and in the community.


• Attend all court and administrative reviews pertaining to child.


• Coordinate and monitor any services provided through YSB or outside the agency for the child.


• With natural family of child.


• Maintain ongoing contact with the natural family as determined by service plan.


• Promote the permanency goal noted in the child\'s service plan.


• Perform family assessments according to agency and DCFS requirements.


• Monitor family\'s progress toward service plan goals.


• Link, monitor and coordinate services required by family which are provided through YSB or outside the agency.


• Ensure family visits are provided as directed by service plan.


• Provide aftercare services upon return of child to natural family home when required.

With Placement Family (foster or relative):

• Maintain ongoing contact with the placement family.


• Coordinate and promote the child\'s permanency goal with the placement family, unless otherwise noted in the service plan.


• Assist the placement family in providing for the needs of the child.


• Monitor the placement for progress toward service plan goals.


• Assess the needs of placement family to maintain positive placement.


• Bring training materials and/or service to foster families as needed to maintain and improve their performance.

Indirect Services

• Maintain up to date case file documentation per agency and DCFS requirements.


• Document case services according to ethical and professional standards.


• Provide reports and testify as directed at court on behalf of the best interests of the child with prior review and approval by the supervisor.


• Establish and maintain professional relationships with service providers.


• Advocate for the needs of the child, natural family and placement family.


• Participate in regular case staffing, supervisory meetings and evaluations.


• Adhere to agency policies and procedures.


• Actively participates in YSBIV\'s continuous Quality Improvement program.

Core Competencies

• Organized


• Experience with children


• Multi-tasker


• Self starter

*Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley believes that all people deserve inclusivity, fairness, and justice. We believe that both the success of our team and the wellness of our community is strongest by recognizing the qualities that make each person unique, including race, gender, age, sexuality, ability, religion, national origin, gender identity and other identities. The YSB team values and respects each other and our community as we proudly serve.