What are the responsibilities and job description for the Foster Care Child Welfare Specialist position at Bethany For Children & Fa?
The Child Welfare Specialist is responsible for providing case management social services to children, youth, or families assigned to his/her caseload as per the specified program plan. The Child Welfare Specialist must be able to develop a supportive relationship with the clients assigned to his/her caseload and assist them in addressing and meeting the needs and goals documented in the specific program treatment plans. At the time of a crisis, the Child Welfare Specialist is available and prepared to meet a family or a youth at various locations including the client’s home at times that may not comply with normal business hours.
Foster Care - Child Welfare Specialist Position Benefits:
- Ten (10) days of vacation earned during the first year of employment and twenty (20) days of vacation earned during the second year of employment,
- Twelve (12) sick days earned each year,
- Eleven (11) paid holidays,
- Agency contributions of 8% calculated on bi-weekly earnings to a 403(b) Thrift Plan (retirement plan) upon meeting plan eligibility criteria,
- An option of two health plans, one with a Health Savings Account benefit that includes employer contributions,
- Dental insurance,
- Vision insurance (100% employer-paid premiums if enrolled in the dental insurance plan),
- Group Life insurance,
- Options of employee-paid premiums for voluntary supplemental insurance offered, and
- An Educational Aid program.
Foster Care - Child Welfare Specialist Performance Objectives:
- Formulating a preliminary and tentative assessment of clients’ functions and reviewing appropriate information with the Supervisor to develop an effective case plan/treatment plan commensurate with the clients’ needs.
- Maintaining case records, submitting required reports, providing statistical data, etc., in accordance with the agency’s expectations.
- Meeting regularly with the Supervisor to discuss clinical issues, issues surrounding service delivery, and critical issues requiring supervisory consent or referral source authority.
- Developing and utilizing knowledge of agency and community resources appropriate to established case plans, and assessing the usefulness to individual client’s needs.
- Being readily accessible to his/her clients for meetings according to their schedule or contract requirements at client-convenient times of the day or night.
Foster Care - Child Welfare Specialist Qualifications:
- Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in social work or a human services field,
- Have two (2) years of social service experience,
- Have the ability to fulfill all of the regulatory requirements for employees of Child Welfare Agencies as are prescribed in Illinois Administrative Rule and Procedure, including successful completion of required background checks, and certification as a driver of children by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services,
- Have the ability to provide own transportation in performing job requirements, including a valid driver’s license and acceptable insurance coverage,
- Maintain a flexible schedule in response to program needs or caseload assignments (the Child Welfare Specialist must be available outside of normal business hours, including some evenings and weekends, to assist families in meeting goals or in responding to crisis),
- Have sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural differences in the community,
- Be able to lift 30 lbs,
- Be able to carry car seats to and from the office and children’s home, and
- Be able to physically attend to young children and infants.
To learn more about the foster care programs and services provided by Bethany for Children & Families, visit our website at www.bethany-qc.org and click on Services, Child Welfare Services, Foster Care and Licensing.
Come join our team and help make a difference in the lives of area children & families!
EOE
