Permanency Specialist

Child Link; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Child Link is seeking a Permenancy Achievement Specialist to advise foster care teams on permanency goals and accelerate placement processes. You will work with caseworkers, adoption specialists, and community partners to identify solutions and finalize stable, permanent placements.

In this role, you will coordinate multi-agency resources, oversee documentation, and facilitate transitions to adoption, guardianship, or reunification, while ensuring ICPC compliance across states.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field.
• CWEL certification preferred but not required.
• Experience with children with special needs and knowledge of reunification, adoption, and guardianship.
• Strong ability to engage families and coordinate resources across agencies.
• Proficient with computer-based documentation and case management systems.
• Valid Illinois driver's license and ability to pass a background check.
• Ability to pass Licensing Standards for Foster Family Homes and Child Care Act exams.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert consultation on permanency planning, identifying and addressing obstacles to timely placements.
• Assist caseworkers in securing appropriate placements and finalizing permanency plans, including adoption, guardianship, and reunification.
• Facilitate access to community resources to support family reunification efforts.
• Connect families with post-adoption and guardianship services to ensure long-term stability.
• Oversee and support the completion of necessary documentation, including home studies and subsidy packets.
• Coordinate with IDCFS and other states to facilitate out-of-state permanency placements, ensuring compliance with ICPC regulations.
• Serve as a liaison between caseworkers, recruitment specialists, adoption professionals, and community providers to streamline the permanency process and ensure best practices are followed.

Skills

Family engagement

Multi-agency coordination

Case documentation

Communication skills

Driver's license

Education

Bachelors in Social Work

Tools

Computer-based documentation systems

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a Permenancy Achievement Specialist to provide consultation and support to foster care teams in achieving permanency goals for children. This position will work closely with caseworkers, community partners, and adoption specialists to identify solutions, expedite processes, and ensure that children achieve stable and permanent placements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert consultation on permanency planning, identifying and addressing obstacles to timely placements.
• Assist caseworkers in securing appropriate placements and finalizing permanency plans, including adoption, guardianship, and reunification.
• Facilitate access to community resources to support family reunification efforts.
• Connect families with post-adoption and guardianship services to ensure long-term stability.
• Oversee and support the completion of necessary documentation, including home studies and subsidy packets.
• Coordinate with IDCFS and other states to facilitate out-of-state permanency placements, ensuring compliance with ICPC regulations.
• Serve as a liaison between caseworkers, recruitment specialists, adoption professionals, and community providers to streamline the permanency process and ensure best practices are followed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related human services field.
• CWEL certification is preferred but not required.
• Experience working with children with special needs, as well as knowledge of reunification, adoption, and guardianship processes.
• Strong ability to engage with families and coordinate multi-agency resources.
• Proficiency in computer-based documentation and case management systems.
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License and ability to pass a background check.
• Ability to pass the Illinois written exam on Licensing Standards for Foster Family Homes (402) and the Child Care Act.

Why Join Our Team?

• Meaningful Impact: Play a critical role in securing permanency for children in foster care.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for ongoing training and career development.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside dedicated professionals committed to child welfare.

If you are passionate about child welfare and committed to ensuring children achieve safe and permanent placements, we encourage you to apply.