Child Welfare Specialist Supervisor

WHO WE ARE:

Annually serving over 1,400 youth and families, Lawrence Hall is a community-based organization committed to helping Chicago's youth, families, and communities heal from the adverse effects of childhood trauma. For more than 150 years, Lawrence Hall has been delivering high-quality care throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and is a statewide leader in highly effective, evidence-based, and innovative therapeutic treatment. Their core programs-Child and Family Treatment Center, Therapeutic Day School, Creative Therapies, Foster Care, Transitional/Independent Living Program, Workforce Development, and Community Wellness-have met the changing and complex needs of youth and families by not only becoming more community based, but also by developing more preventative programs that help curb violence in Chicago's communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Reports to the Program Manager or Vice President of Foster Care. Provides supervision to Child Welfare Specialists (CWS). Maintains accountability to the juvenile court, D.C.F.S., and to the agency for case work services rendered to young people and their families. 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. Frequent use of personal vehicle, computer and telephone. Good written and verbal communication skills are essential. Flexible schedule required as CWS Supervisor maintains on-call responsibility 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Orient, train, supervise, and evaluate case managers in their service functions on behalf of young people
• Carry an assigned caseload when necessary and perform all relevant CWS functions under the supervision of the Program Manager
• Assist in making case decisions, and be a resource to employees in the fulfillment of their duties
• Represent case managers and the agency in their absence in court, administrative case reviews and other staffing's as needed
• Review expenditures according to agency guidelines
• Oversee and sign off on all necessary reports and ensure that all case activities and incidents are documented, are Medicaid compliant if applicable, and in the case record in a timely fashion
• Participate as a member of the leadership/management team in planning, executing and evaluating agency and department resources
• Sets a positive example for employees, is a role model. Supports and trains employees on appropriate strategies using the 5 S's and therapeutic de-escalation skills
• Promotes professional growth in employees, fostering strengths and redirecting efforts as necessary
• Ensure employees attend training related to being trauma informed-at least two every twelve months
• Mediate personnel conflicts with respect and dignity
• Understand the impact of secondary trauma and workplace stress and use strategies to prevent, minimize and/or help employees heal and recover
• Ensure assessment tools used to inform practice and treatment include screens for trauma exposure
• Maintain fidelity of trauma focused interventions and treatment modalities
• Holds regular (at least bi-weekly), documented supervision of supervisees
• Actively involved in planning and delivery of training related to own area of expertise and needs of programs supervised
• Attend program and agency team meetings
• Holds regular (at least bi-weekly), documented supervision meetings with assigned employees
• 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
• Demonstrate a commitment to and participates in the development of continuous quality improvement in all aspects of the position
• Make recommendations on hiring, termination, promotions, performance evaluations, and other personnel actions concerning employees assigned
• On call for emergencies by phone or in person
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree in human services field required, LCSW/LCPC preferred
• Minimum of two years related experience and ability to effectively provide supervision
• Requires Child Welfare Licensure (CWEL), CERAP, and SACWIS/Office Automation Training
• 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

Benefits and Perks that Support You

• Time Off Benefits (PTO): Employees receive an average of 17-25 days of PTO, including vacation, paid leave, and sick time, in addition to 9 paid holidays.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans are available for employees, spouses/domestic partners, and child dependents.
• Wellness Reimbursement: Employees can receive up to $20 per month towards wellness-related subscriptions/memberships.
• Retirement Savings: Our 401(k) plan includes a 100% employer match on contributions up to 3% after one year of service.
• Supplemental Insurance: Coverage options include Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, and Short-Term & Long-Term Disability for employees and their families.
• Life & AD&D Insurance: Full-time employees receive term life insurance equal to twice their salary at no cost.
• Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax options are available to help cover parking and transit expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A free and confidential resource providing support for personal and work-related challenges.
• Employee Referral Program: Employees can earn up to $1,500 for referring successful candidates.
• Tuition & Loan Assistance: Lawrence Hall is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not meet all listed qualifications. We look forward to your application. 

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

Salary : $67,000 - $80,000