Child Welfare Counselor

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. 

Under the direct supervision of a licensed counseling supervisor, the prospective candidate provides a full range of therapeutic interventions to children in foster care, their family of origin, and foster/adoptive care providers in accordance with the comprehensive integrated assessment, and assessed therapeutic needs of the child and family. Services are provided within the expectations of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Illinois Part 132 Medicaid Mental Health Services, and Council on Accreditation standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Completion of a IM CANS that provides a comprehensive assessment of the client’s therapeutic needs.
• Development, with engagement of the client, of an individualized treatment plan, based upon assessed needs identified in the IM CANS.
• Provision of direct counseling and therapeutic services to individuals, couples, families, and groups as required by the IM CANS and ITP. Location of service delivery (home, office, community) is based on client needs, relevant program plans, and other identified requirements. This decision is made in conjunction with the child welfare specialist/caseworker, foster/relative care provider and counseling supervisor.
• Timely and accurate completion/submission of all required reports, contact/progress notes, and billing information. This includes completion of written reports detailing the client’s progress as required by applicable policies/procedures, or as required by Juvenile Court.
• Coordination/collaboration with other service providers, school personnel, health care providers, etc. to promote child and family health and well-being.
• Attendance/participation in internal and external staffings, meetings, court hearing, etc. as required.
• Meeting productivity standards established by the LSSI management team.
• Participation in regularly scheduled supervision for guidance, direction, support, and approval of decision-making, assessment, treatment planning and intervention.
• Participation in the organization’s Continuous Quality Improvement process to refine practice and achieve identified outcomes identified by the organization’s CQI process and the Federal Child and Family Services Review.
• May supervise Bachelor’s level interns.

Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or other identified human services field.
• Holds the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential, or its equivalent. If, upon hire, the candidate does not possess this credential, it must be secured within an established period, agreed upon with the counseling supervisor, to maintain ongoing employment with Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.
• Knowledge of the DSM 5 and ICD 10 and their applications.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a clear, comprehensible manner, both verbally and in writing.
• Submit to fingerprinting and pass required background checks, including CANTS, LEADS, Sexual Abuse Registry, Illinois State Police, and FBI.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and proof of automobile liability insurance and access to transportation to make home visits, other required appointments, and transport clients as needed.
• Understanding of strengths-based, trauma informed interaction with clients.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural differences within the diverse client base served by the organization, as well as within the organization itself.

Benefits and Perks:

• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience and licensure.
• Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare insurance, 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 10 paid holidays, Sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible hours.
• Training
• We offer room for advancement and an environment where you can utilize your education and experience, knowing that you are making a positive difference in the lives of children and families.
• Come be a part of this challenging and rewarding environment!

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.