ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Reports directly to the Program Manager or Case Manager Supervisor. Provides case management services to young people and their families within agency policies. This includes home visits, transportation of young people in agency or personal vehicle to court appearances, schools, community resources, etc. Requires knowledge of trauma exposure, knowledge of the 5 S's of trauma: Safety, Self-Regulation/Soothing, Supportive, Strengths, Self-Care, and an understanding of and recognition of the signs of traumatic stress. Good verbal communication with employees, referring agencies, community resources and young people/families as well as ability to provide ongoing required written documentation. Must be able to effectively use both verbal and physical intervention skills with individuals six (6) through twenty-one (21) years of age. Physical intervention skills require the ability to kneel and return to standing without assistance. Flexible schedule required as the Case Manager may have on-call responsibility.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Document all case management activity and use information in up-to-date case entry notes
• Write and submit timely reports for juvenile court and administrative case reviews, etc.
• Carries a selected load of young people and families as assigned
• Takes leadership in the planning and evaluation of staffings/conferences
• Takes responsibility for presenting intake material to employees and presenting to Intake Committee for final decision as applicable
• Provides data, information, and goals to team. Works with treatment, collateral staff, and families in coordinating efforts to reach goals
• Works closely with co-workers in meeting the needs of young people under care
• Determines visiting schedule for young people (if applicable) and keeps informed about benefits and problems following visits as provided by relevant employees
• Interprets agency's services to assigned young people
• Requires knowledge of typical child and adolescent development and an understanding of trauma exposure and traumatic stress signs and symptoms.
• Practice will include using strategies that support healing, recovery, and that resist re-traumatization
• Engage caregivers, parents, family members and others by sharing strengths and challenges experienced by program participants
• Attends agency and other professional seminars and conferences to increase professional knowledge and skills
• Liaison to DCFS or other agencies (courts, school districts, etc.), communicating goals and progress toward their accomplishment
• Determines with the team needs for community programs (schools, recreation, jobs, vocational opportunities, medical, etc.)
• May provide counseling (if appropriate)
• Liaison/facilitator in community, police and neighborhood situations
• Locates and evaluates resources, facilitates referrals and supportive services
• May cover ACR/court and other duties during employee vacancies/absences.
• Documents contact with young people, family, court sessions, etc. for statistical purposes
• Uses active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy, avoiding negative and derogatory labels that foster disrespect
• Understand that behaviors, responses, attitudes, and emotions are a collection of survival skills often developed in response to traumatic experiences
• Maintain confidentiality of employees, volunteers, and program participants to provide a safe environment
• Attend at least two trainings related to being trauma informed in a twelve month period
• Ability to work effectively with program participants and family members, employees and vendors in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recovery
• Participates in the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement activities as assigned
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in the Human Services field
• Must have the Child Welfare Employee Licensure at hire or attend the next scheduled Foundation Training Program for licensure, meet the requirements for attendance and conduct, and pass the Licensure Exam including CERAP (Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol)
• Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferred
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, positive youth development/strength based approach preferred
• Personal vehicle or access to vehicle and proof of insurance
• Valid Illinois Driver's license
• No history of child abuse or neglect

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt

Salary : $20