Child Welfare Services Referral and Support Specialist

Our client is committed to promoting the well-being of our communities through equitable access and exceptional care driven by innovation and a deep sense of responsibility.

They seek to hire (2) CWS-Referral and Support Specialists who play a critical role in ensuring children's safety, permanency, and well-being by providing comprehensive services and support to families. This position is integral to the CSW Referral Program, which reduces risks by connecting families to essential community resources and services that promote family stability and resilience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct Intervention & Risk Reduction:
  • Provide targeted interventions to mitigate risk factors and equip families with strategies to avoid future risks.
  • Utilize critical thinking and solution-focused approaches to help families maintain a safe and thriving environment.
• Assessments & Documentation:
  • Complete required assessments, including the Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP), in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Conduct weekly home visits to evaluate family situations, focusing on identifying and addressing safety and risk concerns.
  • Document family linkages to community services, verifying their connection and acknowledgment of received support.
• Community Linkage & Advocacy:
  • Connect families with community services that address specific needs, such as household organization, parenting challenges, medical services, and other risk-related concerns.
  • Advocate for families within public systems, including DHS/TANF, public schools, and other relevant agencies.
  • Ensure that necessary supports and services are in place before case closure, and follow up to confirm the family's ongoing connection to resources.
• Case Management & Closure:
  • Complete all necessary documentation for case closure, ensuring no additional resources are required or that families are fully connected to needed services.
  • Transport families to appointments when necessary, facilitating their access to critical services.
• Training & Professional Development:
  • Attend all required training sessions and stay informed on relevant content to enhance job performance.
  • Participate in weekly supervision and be available for crisis intervention outside regular business hours when necessary.
• Additional Duties:
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall mission of the CSW Referral Program.

Qualifications:

• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to conduct thorough assessments and provide solution-focused interventions.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Experience working with families and understanding of community resources.
• Availability for crises outside of regular business hours.

CERTIFICATES and LICENSES

To be eligible for this position, you must currently have or be eligible to participate in the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) foundations training. You will need to pass the required training and examinations to obtain CWEL, CERAP, and CANS certifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (BCBS), including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance (LTD, STD, ADD).
• Paid Time Off (PTO), 11 holidays, Health and Wellness Day.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Discounts on products such as cellphones and restaurant offerings.