Social Services Specialist Jobs in Illinois

INTRODUCTION

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families, and we're still a strong, viable presence in the State of Illinois, continuing that commitment to making a difference.

LSSI is hiring a full-time F2G Parent Specialist Monday through Friday. Responsible for providing immediate engagement with parents to listen to their stories in their own words, answer questions, set and support parent/child contact and support the parent negotiating the child welfare system. Responsible for assessing physical and behavioral health needs as well as the needs and gaps in the family’s ecosystem. Engages parents in GenerationPMTO and maintains ongoing parent support.

Benefits and Perks:

LSSI is growing! Come be a part of this rewarding environment, and enjoy the knowledge that you’re helping make a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as these career advantages:

• On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience, and licensure.
• Salary $63,000-$70,000/Annually.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Comprehensive benefits package for Full-Time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
• The paid training you need to learn, grow, and succeed!

Essential Functions

• Provide immediate engagement with parents to assess and support them in reunifying the family.
• Participate in developing an individualized whole family treatment plan, in conjunction with the FT team, child and family.
• Recruit for, organize and lead Generation PMTO groups, ensuring that each parent engages in the groups, learn new skills and incorporate the practices with their family.
• Set up, coach and supervise when needed, ongoing contact and visits between the parent(s) and their child(ren), including virtual calls/meetings, in person activities and regular parenting tasks such as school, medical needs, dental needs.
• Organize and lead ongoing support group.
• Complete and submit all required reports, tracking information and documentation accurately and timely as required by agency and funding sources, including completion of written reports detailing client’s progress as required by applicable policies/procedures and/or when required by juvenile court.
• Demonstrate professional, positive behavior and carry out responsibilities with integrity, treating clients, families, other LSSI workforce members, and collaborative organizations and/or individual in a dignified, respectful, honest and fair manner.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field required.
• Master’s degree in social work or related field preferred.
• Background check clearance, both criminal and CANTS required.
• Certified in Generation PMTO or able to participate in Generation PMTO training and certification required.
• Certified in IM+CANs or able to participate in IM+CANs training and certification required.
• Demonstrated ability to engage parents, including organizing and leading groups both virtually and in person required.
• Strong assessment skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a team approach.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a clear, comprehensible manner, verbally and written.
• Excellent organization, presentation and pc/computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) along with other related software.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing for the state of residency required.
• Access to reliable transportation required.
• Valid IL statutory minimum liability insurance coverage, bodily injury and property damage.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, any other characteristic protected by law.