Foster Care Caseworker

If you’d like to make a difference in the life of an child, are motivated to create safer homes for all youth, and are interested in a rewarding career in the nonprofit industry, we invite you to consider becoming part of our Shelter, Inc. team. Since 1975, Shelter, Inc. has provided for the emotional and physical well-being of children and families in need. Our programs and services help children and families build safer, healthier, and brighter futures. We are seeking a dedicated individual for our Foster Care Caseworker position, based in our Arlington Heights office. Diverse candidates of all racial, LGBTQ , gender, age, and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We seek team members who reflect our values of dedication, collaboration, positive attitude, inclusion, and passion.

The Caseworker is responsible for the provision of client services to Foster Care clients. This includes supervision of clients, assessment, referral and coordination of services to high-risk families in need of social services, and the maintenance of client services in compliance with the Department of Family Services’ rules and regulations. We are seeking both entry level and experienced caseworkers.

INTAKE

• Responsible for fulfilling all requests for services by conducting in-person or telephone interviews and assessing whether or not placement is indicated.
• Provide 24-hour back-up and on-call intake services as required.
• Responsible for providing referral services when placement is not indicated.

DIRECT SERVICES

• Carry a case load which is representative of the cases found in the agency; perform social work services involving the application of social work principles and theory in diagnosis and treatment of clients within the agency or contracting agencies.
• Perform a variety of casework duties, such as conducting casework interviews with clients and other appropriate persons for purposes of formulating an integrated assessment/social history.
• Develop a written service plan for each assigned family case, utilize basic social/casework methods and techniques to achieve effective treatment goals and family stabilization, and attend scheduled Administrative Case Reviews at DCFS.
• Maintain contact with other social service agencies regarding client situations or for the purpose of making interagency referrals and provide linkage of clients to appropriate resources.
• Attend, testify, and prepare necessary reports for Juvenile Court to ensure the court is fully apprised of all information and services regarding the families and children.
• Ensure in-person contacts/visits with biological parents, foster children and foster parents at the appropriate frequency.
• Ensure all contact notes are entered into the DCFS SACWIS system in a timely manner following all contacts with biological parents, foster children, foster families, service providers, and court and DCFS personnel.
• Provide evening/weekend back-up support to biological families, foster children and foster parents on an as-needed basis.

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

• Maintain agency records for children in placement and foster parents.
• Attend all staff meetings and in-service training sessions.
• Maintain monthly agency service statistics.
• Comply with agency policies and procedures and the Department of Children and Family Services “Code of Ethics for Child Welfare Professionals.”
• Attend and participate in PQI meetings.
• Carry out all duties as designated by the Foster Care Supervisor.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in human services field required from an accredited school; Master's Degree in Social Work desired with previous experience in foster care or related work experience desired.
• Must meet Child Care Facility Driver requirements in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
• Must have a valid driver's license, an automobile and adequate automobile insurance
• Must pass Licensing Examination for Foster Care and Home of Relative Foster Care as required by Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
• Must pass the Child Welfare Licensure (CWEL) certification from the State of Illinois.
• Must complete New Hire Orientation and become certified in CPR and First Aid prior to working independently with youth.
• Must complete a Medical and T.B. test providing proof of results pre-start date.
• Must be fingerprinted by the State of Illinois and must submit to a full Background Check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services pre-start date.
• Must submit official academic transcripts from the last school in which a degree was awarded pre-start date.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $44,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay
• Signing bonus

COVID-19 considerations:
All Shelter, Inc. employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (with legal exemptions allowed. Boosters not required.) CDC-recommended COVID guidelines are in place regarding cleaning, distancing, and health guidelines.

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Child Welfare: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: On the road

Salary : $44,000 - $50,000