Essential functions of the job:

• Provides consultation regarding permanency issues; identifies and removes barriers to permanency, working to secure appropriate placements for children; monitors and acts to complete permanencies with children waiting for reunification or adoption/subsidized guardianship.
• Facilitates community resources connections to prepare the home of parent for reunification.
• Engages post adoption and guardianship connections to the DCFS unit prior to finalization.
• Educates families on permanency options, maintaining long term familial connections, and resources after permanency is achieved.
• Works to secure additional service resources in a timely manner to expedite permanency.
• When reunification is not possible, list children for adoption with Greenlight or the applicable Adoption registry.
• Completes legal screenings for eligible cases.
• Complete required documentation and home study to begin the Adoption or Sub Guardianship subsidy process.
• Submits, monitors, and follows up with the needs of the subsidy packet pending DCFS approval.
• Works within the court/legal system to resolve any legal issues impacting timely permanency.
• Complete ICPC documentation to DCFS needed for out of state permanency options for children with relatives and licensed potential adoptive families, and work with the receiving state to eliminate barriers.
• Provides linkages between caseworkers, recruitment resource specialists, adoptions staff and community providers to expedite and finalize the permanency process and ensures all necessary actions and reviews have taken place to facilitate positive permanency outcomes.
• Serves as a team member within the multidisciplinary team or Child and Family Team Meeting consisting of case manager, supervisor, foster parent, birth parents and youth to facilitate quick permanency.
• Has strong data analytic skills to track permanency timeliness and works to meet identified permanency goals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, or another related human service field
• Completion of DCFS criminal background check
• Valid Illinois driver’s license.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with agency staff and clients
• Ability to pass State of Illinois written examination on Licensing Standards for Foster Family Homes (402), the Child Care Act, and CWEL
• Experience working with children with special needs preferred, as well as experience or training in Reunification, Adoption and Sub-Guardianship

Benefits:

• PTO (paid-time-off) accrual 3 weeks first year (full-time)
• 10 paid holidays
• Sick Leave accrual 12 days per year (full-time)
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401K with company match
• Company paid life insurance, STD and LTD
• Supplemental life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Program