Child Welfare Specialist (Foster Care and Intact)

at Children's Home Association of Illinois in Peoria, Illinois, United States

Job Description

CHAIL is a youth, family, and community focused 501(c)(3) organization with multiple locations and 450 staff, located in Peoria, IL. For over 157 years CHAIL has been helping the kids and families who need it most.  Children’s Home Association of Illinois (CHAIL) is the largest social service agency for youth and families in downstate Illinois. The services we provide don’t just impact the individual child, they create positive ripple effects within their immediate family, neighborhood, community, and world by providing an opportunity to thrive.  

Here at CHAIL, employees experience a “People First - Culture of Care” working atmosphere. From the most tenured staff to the newest team member, everyone is welcomed into a community that prioritizes diversity, equity, wellness, belonging, and good health. Starting with our CEO/President and migrating to every employee, this agency takes pride in taking care of each other. We believe if our employees are cared for, they can better live out the mission of the agency which is to help the kids and families who need it most. By putting our people first at CHAIL, they have the opportunity to share their expertise, talents, and passions with clients as they are changing the lives of the kids who will change the world. Our employees at CHAIL will tell you that they love working for the agency because they love what the agency does!  

About the position:

Intact Child Welfare Specialists provide in-home individual and family counseling to families involved with the Department of Children and Family Services. Intact Services is an intensive program designed to prevent the removal of vulnerable children from their caregivers.  The Intact CWS has full case management responsibility and coordinates service through collaterals and in-house programs, as well as providing support and direct service intervention for clients. The position requires strong assessment abilities and the ability to appropriately advocate for clients within the DCFS and Court systems, and with service providers.  In addition, the position requires familiarity with community resources.

Job Function: Provides in-home counseling and case management.

Job Qualifications:

• A BSW and one year of directly related Child welfare casework experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a related Human Service field and two years of directly related child welfare casework experience
• Must have required DCFS licensure or be able to obtain certification upon hire
• Effective oral and written communication and problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Dependability
• Ability to relate to youths, families, and community agencies/department
• Ability to work independently and as an active team member
• Demonstrated maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences in children and families served
• Ability to handle job related matters in a professional, diplomatic, and confidential manner
• Speaking and hearing ability to allow for effective oral communication of information
• Ability to transport self and clients to various locations, physical and emotional stamina to handle job-related issues

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

CHAIL provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.