What are the responsibilities and job description for the Part-Time Extended Family Support Worker position at Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois?
Effective Date: March 1, 2024
NON-MANAGEMENT JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Extended Family Support Worker
Exempt/Non-exempt: NON-EXEMPT
Immediate Supervisor: Program Manager
Salary: $50,336 - 55,336
Benefits: Click Here to view LCFS’ Full-Time Employee Benefits.
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Essential Functions:
1. Primarily responsible for providing guidance and support to relative caregivers in navigating the process of obtaining private guardianship of the child, including assistance with completing necessary paperwork and fulfilling legal requirements.
2. Assist relative caregivers in accessing child-only grants and other financial assistance programs available to support the care of the child.
3. Facilitate the enrollment of school-aged children in the relative caregiver's school district, including assisting with school registration, enrollment documentation, and coordination with school personnel. 4. Conduct assessments to identify the basic needs of the child and relative caregiver, including housing, food, clothing, and other essential items.
5. Develop and implement individualized service plans in collaboration with relative caregivers to address identified needs and goals.
6. Connect relative caregivers with community resources and support services, including food pantries, clothing closets, housing assistance programs, and other relevant organizations.
7. Provide advocacy and support to relative caregivers in accessing entitlements and benefits available through social service agencies and government programs.
8. Offer counseling and emotional support to relative caregivers to help them cope with the challenges and stressors associated with caring for a child within their extended family.
9. Collaborate with other professionals and agencies involved in the care of the child, including social workers, educators, healthcare providers, and legal advocates.
10. Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of services provided, client interactions, and progress towards goals, in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
11. Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Ability Requirements:
- Comprehensive understanding of child welfare principles, practices, and regulations, particularly as they relate to relative caregiving arrangements.
- Knowledge of legal processes and requirements for obtaining private guardianship of a child, as well as eligibility criteria for child-only grants and other financial assistance programs.
- Familiarity with school enrollment procedures and educational support services available to children in the public school system.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for building rapport with relative caregivers, children, and other stakeholders, and effectively advocating on their behalf.
- Ability to conduct assessments, develop service plans, and implement interventions to address the unique needs and circumstances of each family.
- Proficiency in accessing and navigating community resources and support services to meet the diverse needs of relative caregivers and children.
Education and Experience:
Must have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field, with a preference for candidates holding a Master's degree. A minimum of 2 years of experience in child welfare, family support, or social services is required, with specific experience working with relative caregivers being highly preferred. Additionally, relevant licensure or certification may be required based on state regulations, further enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role. Candidates should also demonstrate experience working with diverse populations and possess an understanding of cultural competence principles in service delivery, ensuring the ability to effectively engage and support individuals from various backgrounds and communities.
Physical Demands and Other Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties listed in the job description satisfactorily. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, or controls; reach with hands and arms. Capable of operating standard office equipment, including a computer and keyboard, calculator, typical business machines such as a fax machine and copier. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20-30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to have valid driver’s license, auto insurance and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. The work environment characteristics include a noise level which is usually low to moderate.
Position Responsibilities/Program Execution and Decision Making:
Diversity and Inclusion/ Professionalism: In all aspects of their work presents as a role model to others, behaving in a way which actively supports LCFS as a welcoming community, promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace and collaborates with others to further equity and dismantle barriers to a more inclusive experience of community. Participates in annual professional development and/or advocacy regarding inclusion.
Ethical Conduct: Follows all ethics policies and procedures related to program execution and decision making as defined by the agency as well as any related professional licensing, regulatory or accrediting body. Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information. Reports any known or suspected breaches of confidentiality in accordance with policy. Reports possible misconduct or relevant errors/ oversight in a timely manner and responsibly addresses related issues with chain of command.
Communication/ Interpersonal Skills: Consistently conveys clear, accurate, timely, and respectful communication appropriate for the situation. Informs appropriate management staff when incident occurs or a crisis situation. Maintains professional boundaries with clients/residents, staff, interns, volunteers, and vendors. Able to successfully share skills and concepts with others and works effectively with others under time and environmental pressures.
Safety and Agency Resource Utilization: Demonstrates sound judgement and foresight in safety awareness and in daily work. Notifies, in a timely manner, the supervisory chain of any incidents or circumstances that need attention. Report all suspicions or allegations of abuse immediately to their supervisor. Ensures appropriate utilization of materials and resources and minimizes waste.
Other Responsibilities: All other tasks and responsibilities as assigned
Salary : $50,336 - $55,336
