Social Service Worker I & II

McKinley Community Services, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job description

CWS-Child Welfare Service
7640 S Vincennes Ave
Chicago, IL 60620, USA

Basic Function: The Social Services worker implements and plans for direct casework services to clients within agency policy and procedure, under the direct supervision of the Program Supervisor or designee.

Essential Functions:

• Provides and coordinates a continuum of casework services on all levels of child welfare system designed to achieve permanency for children and their family of origin, extended family, or foster/adoptive family within established policies.
• Completes and submits all required reports, documentation, and billing accurately and timely as required by agency and funding sources.
• Coordinates and collaborates with other service providers, schools, and health care facilities to promote the child(ren)’s well-being.
• Works effectively with the child welfare team including the supervisor, counselors, other social service workers, and aides.
• Develops effective working relationships with Foster Parents, Biological Parents, and other important people in the child’s life.
• Develops a working knowledge of community resources and links them to serving clients.
• Represents clients’ needs and Agency interests to referral sources, DCFS, the judicial system, and governmental agencies.

Position Qualifications:
In addition to a real passion for working with at-risk children and families, this opportunity requires:

• A bachelor’s degree in social work or a related human services field.
• State licensing/certification as required by the State of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services which can be provided through training.
• Background check clearance, both criminal and Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System.
• Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and access to reliable transportation for visits, and to transport clients to and from appointments.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a clear, comprehensible manner, both verbally and in writing.
• Cultural sensitivity to the client population served.
• Ability to partner with clients individually and/or in family to help them mobilize resources and build resilience.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with other team members, other Agency resources, and outside services in addressing client needs.
• Understanding of evidence-informed practices, engagement strategies, boundary setting, concurrent documentation, working in a community setting, organizing, motivational interviewing, and family systems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to sitting, walking, and standing for prolonged periods; frequently pushes, pulls, grasps, feels, and occasionally stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls. The employee frequently is required to use manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination when working with persons served and handling office, medical, or household equipment. The employee is subject to assist and lift up to 50 pounds with varying amounts of assistance on a recurring basis. The employee is required to have corrected vision and hearing within normal range and the ability to operate a motor vehicle. Must have the ability to perform CPR and CPI. Occupational exposure to blood, body fluids, and infectious substances, including communicable diseases, when performing personal care (Category III). Occasional exposure to cleaning agents and disinfectants.

Environmental Conditions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Disclaimer: The intent of this job description is to provide a representative level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Qualifications

Skills

Behaviors

:

Motivations

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Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Social Work or related field.

Preferred

Masters or better in Social Work or related field.

Experience

Required

Must pass Childcare Act (CCA), Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP), Foster Family Homes – Rule 402 (FFH), and Child Welfare for Employees Licensure (CWEL) exams. (Training provided) This position requires the use of a personal auto, a valid driver’s license, a motor vehicle report acceptable to the agency’s insurance broker, and verification of insurance coverage.