IPS Foster Parent Support Specialist

IPS Foster Parent Support Specialist

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious person to join our talented team. If you see yourself becoming part of a unique non-profit organization centered in the world of providing intensive placement stabilization services to foster children and families then come grow with us.

The role of a Foster Parent is vital in providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for children who are unable to live with their biological families. Foster Parents play a crucial role in the child welfare system by accepting children into their homes and offering them stability and care during challenging times. This position requires compassion, patience, and a commitment to the well-being of children.

Summary of Responsibilities:

The IPS Foster Parent Support Specialist is responsible for working within the home-based Intensive Placement Stabilization (IPS) program to add an additional layer of support and advocacy for caregivers while receiving IPS services. The primary role is to empower caregivers so that they are better equipped to listen, nurture, communicate, and safely discipline.

Foster Parent Support Specialist Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Working with caregivers in identifying and achieving goals; in promoting positive parent-child relationships and interactions; and in reinforcing child development education with a focus on trauma history
• Working with the caregiver to increase caregivers’ understanding of the impact of trauma and life experiences with the goal to foster empathy in the caregiver
• To reinforce communication, and to support the caregiver with increasing their knowledge of available community resources
• To provide intensive, comprehensive services; including access to transportation, medical care, psychiatric care, recreational activities, or any other need that supports the stabilization of the youth and family
• Works collaboratively with the IPS Service Coordinator and the team to identify program goals and monitor Individual Treatment Plan (ITP) progress; intervenes by way of conducting activities such as skill building, advocacy, respite, recreation, and support and consultation to improve the overall well-being and stabilization of the family
• Keeps the IPS Service Coordinator and team informed about youth and family strengths, accomplishments, and obstacles in relation to their stabilization goals
• Continuously expand knowledge of community resources, services, and programs available to individuals served and build ongoing relationships with these organizations in order to advocate for youth and foster families
• Serves as a representative of the IPS program through attendance at team meetings, Clinical Intervention to Preserve Placement (CIPP) meetings, and other meetings as required; communicates and provides information as requested to DCFS caseworkers regarding case status and progress
• Provides an additional layer of support dedicated to caregivers; ideally the individual is a former foster parent who is trained on the impact of trauma and is also trained in Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) treatment
• Attends monthly IPS team meetings and IPS staffing’s for assigned clients

Summary of Qualifications:

• High School Diploma required; BSW or BA in Human Services preferred
• Experience working with children;
• Ability to provide ongoing case management services;
• Ability to work with community agencies;
• No less than twenty-one (21) years of age
• Experience working with children is essential; prior experience in childcare or social work is highly desirable
• A background in child welfare or child protective services is preferred
• Familiarity with developmental disabilities is beneficial for supporting children with specific needs
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders involved in the child's life
• Ability to accept and adapt to the unique challenges that come with fostering children from diverse backgrounds
• A genuine passion for helping children thrive in a supportive environment

Additional Details:

• Must have a valid and current driver’s license
• 8-hour shift, Monday to Friday
• Hybrid schedule, Joliet, Illinois
• Salary $52,000, annually

Benefis

• 401(k)
• 401(k) Match
• Health, Dental, Vision,
• Life Insurance, STD and LTD
• Flex Spending Account
• Paid time off

Send cover letter and resume to erika.wade@cfsil.org to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Joliet, IL 60435 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Joliet, IL 60435: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Joliet, IL 60435

Salary : $50,000 - $52,000