Job Location : Kankakee,IL, USA
Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the guidance of the Program Director of Social Services, the FAC Lead Caseworker will primarily create, provide, and coordinate community-based, holistic services funded by the Department of Children and Family Services (DFCS). This position will work with parents suspected of child abuse or neglect who are being investigated, have a placement case, or are referred for additional services to foster the wellbeing of children and improve family functioning. Additionally, this position will assist families who are not involved with DCFS but have specific needs or circumstances that require one-on-one support. The FAC Lead Worker will also support the program by overseeing operational activities within specific initiatives and projects.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Caseworker
Complete intake and assessment for families, develop support plans, and provide follow- up services to determine status of case and identify additional needs
Facilitate referrals and application services to the appropriate providers within the community
Conduct home visits and accompany participants to identified service providers
Complete and file court documents for family cases including parental rights and responsibilities, child support, and dissolution of marriage
Escort, translate or acquire the needed assistance to families who may be unable to act on their own behalf in obtaining services or benefits for programs to which they may be entitled
Collaborate with staff and families in promoting participant goals throughout case management
Maintain consistent communication with clients through individual appointments, phone calls, and/or e-mails
Record all actions taken for each case utilizing the DCFS database and related filing systems
Develop and maintain close working relationships with DCFS case managers, supervisors and other professionals
Keep organized and updated information about local agencies and referral contacts to be able to advocate and connect families to internal and external resources
Participate collaboratively in community activities, networking, and outreach events
Participate actively in opportunities for continuous professional development
Perform other duties as assigned or needed
Lead Worker
Train new employees on program systems and strategies to enhance knowledge and competencies
Oversee the execution of annual professional development plans of program staff within the assigned location
Provide administrative support to FAC Caseworkers by managing tasks such as data entry and client follow-ups
Assign DCFS and community referrals ensuring balanced caseloads and successful completions
Complete monthly and quarterly reports in compliance with state and agency mandate
Manage and defuse challenging situations involving cases; route client grievances as necessary
Perform other duties as assigned or needed
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree required in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Applied Behavioral Science, or related field
Fluent in reading, writing and speaking in Spanish
Two (2) years of experience in a social services or related agency
Knowledge and skill in working with families in crisis or in sensitive situations
Demonstrated high quality interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Professional demeanor and ability to prioritize responsibilities and function effectively during stressful or busy periods
High degree of cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with families from diverse racial, socio-economic, ethnic and educational backgrounds
Ability to engage, assess, motivate, and support participants using advocacy and coaching skills that are compassionate, strengths-based, and non-judgmental
Must be able to pass a criminal background check
Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation
WORK SCHEDULE:
Monday–Friday; 9am–5pm
Evenings and weekends as needed
Required in-person work at the Kankakee office
Benefits:
401K
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid time off