Who We Are:

Catholic Charities is proud of its 90-plus year history of providing vital social services in our Diocese. Today, we maintain a substantial presence in ten communities throughout the twenty-eight counties of central Illinois. Area Offices operate in the communities of Alton, Carlinville, Decatur, Effingham, Granite City, Mattoon, Quincy, and Springfield. In addition, Catholic Charities manages facilities in Alton (Catholic Children's Home) and Beardstown (The St. Anne Residence). The agency has earned national reaccreditation through COA, the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services, which certifies that all programs meet best practice social service standards. This certification is the result of a monumental effort by Catholic Charities staff throughout the Diocese working together to modify and improve the delivery of services to our deserving clients.

The agency partners with many volunteers who are dedicated to the success of the local Catholic Charities operations. Advisory boards are excellent examples of such partnerships. The local advisory boards are comprised of special individuals who serve as the agency's vital link to the needs of our communities; they provide invaluable advocacy and support. Over the years, these advisory boards have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to ensure that the mission of Catholic Charities remains viable and responsive.

Our vast array of "Continuum of Care" services include counseling programs, senior services and guardianship, health care, residential care, independent living, special education, emergency shelter care, family preservation services, food and clothing distribution, St. John's Breadline, Meals on Wheels in Decatur, crisis assistance, Med-Assist, Mobile Food Pantry, Catholic Charities Legal Services, The St. Anne Residence and discount resale stores. Catholic Charities seeks to respond to the needs of its communities through these diverse programs. Every year, this objective is realized as literally thousands of children and families are positively impacted by our efforts.

Job Summary:

Catholic Charities is seeking a full-time caseworker passionate about helping children and families remain together and develop healthy, nurturing relationships. The Intact Family Services program works with families who have come to the attention of DCFS due to a report of abuse and/or neglect. The goal of the program is to keep the family unit “intact,” rather than placing the children in the foster care system. The caseworker and the family work together to develop a service plan that addresses the identified concerns and to enhance overall family functioning. Caseworkers help families engage in meaningful services to address these concerns, such as: domestic violence, substance use, environmental/housing instability, mental health, parenting techniques/discipline, budgeting, and medical and educational well-being of the children.

• Currently seeking a caseworker to work in one of our 3 IFS offices (Carlinville, Quincy, Springfield) to primarily cover cases in Morgan, Cass, Sangamon & Macon Counties. Residence in one of these counties is preferred.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Assess the needs of the family and perform general case management duties and interventions related to families in need of child welfare services. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of complex family systems and how to engage families in meaningful services. Receive training in child welfare services, casework, intervention techniques and applicable laws, rules, and regulations. All under direction of a child welfare supervisor.

• Arrange in-home visits with family members and all collaterals involved in each case
• Provide conflict resolution when problems arise
• Observe family interactions and functioning
• Document all casework activity
• Develop service plans
• Provide training and education to parents
• Attend court, as needed, and provide all requested documents

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities, Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, or closely related field
• Professional oral and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information
• Ability to work some evenings
• Must possess excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Must possess knowledge and understanding of family systems and area social service resources
• Must have reliable transportation and meet criteria of our auto insurance carrier

Catholic Charities offers a robust benefits package including:

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• 403(b) & Pension Plan
• Vacation, Sick, & Personal Time
• 14.5 Holidays
• Family-Friendly Work Environment
• Employee Referral Program
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Eligible Employer

***Although being a member of the Catholic faith is not a requirement to be employed by Catholic Charities, it is expected and required of all employees to respect, support and uphold the mission of Catholic Charities which is “to extend to all the healing and empowering presence of Jesus”.