The Role: The Child Welfare Specialist provides services to SOS Illinois children and their families in order to achieve the particular case goal as outlined and explained in the client service plan.

Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive case management services to SOS Illinois children on the Village and in the community, including assessment, referral, placement supervision, service plan formulation and implementation, and appropriate involvement with the SOS Illinois and biological families. Act as a partner to Foster Parents in times of need.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and current service reports on children and families served including timely written case notes, six-month summaries and permanency reports as required and/or requested by DCFS and SOS Illinois. Conduct quarterly audits of client files.
• Ensure that a healthy, safe and secure home environment and a consistency of care is provided to the children, including but not limited to, ensuring that the children received proper medical, dental and emotional care as required.
• Advise and consult with the Client, Foster Parent and Child Welfare Supervisor to ensure adequate understanding of the case dynamics and the needs of the Client.
• Coordinate effectively with DCFS and other community agencies for the maximum utilization of available resources to address the service goals of the cases assigned.
• Work in conjunction with other team members to develop a working knowledge of community resources which may be used in serving clients and maintain a close working relationship with these resources.
• Act as a Liaison to the Foster Parent Enrichment Coordinator and Child & Family Services Coordinator within the Spanish speaking communities towards identifying resources and foster parent recruitment.
• Prepare for and attend required case meetings, ACR’s, court hearings, and staffings.
• Submit reports as required by Supervisor.
• Perform on-call duties as needed to carry out the responsibilities as required.
• Communicate problems and issues within the department to the Child Welfare Supervisor.
• Complete all mandatory agency and job specific training.
• Represent SOS Illinois in a professional manner to the public and guests.
• Comply with all SOS Illinois policies, state, federal, county and city laws, rules and regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Attend general agency staff meetings, in-service education/training, individual supervision, and other meetings as directed by the Village Director or Supervisor.
• Work with Foster and Biological Families and provide support when needed.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology or related field.
• Proficient speaking, reading and writing skills. Bi-lingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Ability to obtain a DCFS Child Welfare Employee Licensure (CWEL) required.
• Ability to work with DCFS, courts and other social service systems.
• Ability to pass DCFS required criminal background check including CANTS/SACWIS and SORS.
• Valid Illinois driver's license with acceptable driving record; insured and reliable transportation.
• Ability to travel between both Villages and surrounding communities.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and staff.
• Ability to relate to the Agency staff, clients, and to the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment and to handle sensitive and confidential materials.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Ability to work in an alcohol, tobacco, drug, and firearm free environment.
• Commitment to SOS Illinois Children’s Villages Illinois philosophy and mission.