What are the responsibilities and job description for the Child Welfare Specialist position at Catalyst Career Group?
Job Description Job Description The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) protects children and families by investigating reports of abuse and neglect. DCFS also provides services to help children find permanent homes, reunite with family, and develop skills for healthy growth. It's our mission to keep children safe by strengthening and supporting families. Become part of the child welfare team by working for Illinois DCFS!As a child welfare specialist you will primarily responsible for investigating reports of child abuse and neglect, assessing the safety of children within their homes, and developing plans to either keep children safely with their families or place them in alternative care arrangements like foster homes, all while advocating for the child's best interests through court proceedings and collaboration with community services; their main goal is to protect children and promote family stability when possible.Benefits : Medical, Dental and Vison InsuranceLife InsuranceRetirement PlanPaid vacation, holidays and sick timeResponsibilities : Responding to reports : Responding to reports of child abuse or neglect within 24 hoursAssessing risk : Determining if a child is in immediate danger by interviewing the child and their familyCreating safety plans : Developing a safety plan for the child or taking them into protective custody if necessaryPreparing reports : Writing reports to support or refute allegations of abuse or neglectAttending court : Attending court hearings and testifying as neededRepresenting clients : Advocating for the child's needs to the judicial system, governmental agencies, and other referral sourcesDeveloping client service plans : Creating plans for clients and evaluating their progressFinding community resources : Locating services and providers for children and families in needConducting home visits : Making regular home visits to assess the child's living conditionsSearching for relatives : Contacting relatives to evaluate their home as a potential placement for the childRequirements : Preferably requires a master’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university with a program approved by the Council on Social Work Education or requires a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related human service or requires a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university with a program approved by the Council on Social Work Education plus one year of directly related professional casework / case management experience or requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related human service fieldRequires possession of a valid driver’s license, daily access to an automobile, and proof of vehicle insuranceRequires physical, visual and auditory ability to carry out assigned dutiesRequires the ability to satisfactorily pass an in-depth background check as a condition for employmentPlan to attend and meet face-to-face with hiring managers.Candidates will be considered for this position whether or not you attend the job fair.Pre-Register online at : https : / / catalystcareergroup.com / event / milwaukee -job-fair-feb2025 / Milwaukee Job FairTuesday, February 25, 202510 : 00AM - 12 : 30PMEmbassy Suites by Hilton Milwaukee Brookfield1200 South Moorland RoadBrookfield, WI 53005All of the companies at our job fairs have open positions they are seeking to fill.Tips for Success : Pre-register—Receive notifications of any updates or changes to the event, and receive information about upcoming events in your area.Dress professionally—First impressions go a long way.Bring multiple copies of your resume.Arrive anytime between 10 AM and 12 : 30 PM—Plan to spend 45 minutes to 1 hour at the event.Bring a friend—All job seekers are welcome.Prepare a brief but effective “brag” to let the people you meet get to know you.Keep an open mind—Meet with as many of the companies as you can; you may be pleasantly surprised at what you find.Remember, the best way to be considered for a position is to meet the hiring managers in person. Plan to attend this event!(Candidates will be considered for this position whether or not you attend the job fair.)Pre-Register online at : https : / / catalystcareergroup.com / event / milwaukee -job-fair-feb2025 /
