Foster Family Licensing Worker

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 Child Welfare Resource Specialist Monday through Friday. Provide the full range of resource services to foster and/or adoptive families within state mandates, COA standards, agency policies, and program plans.

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 $50,000-$55,000/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!
•  The opportunity to become a part of a fantastic team of Child Welfare professionals! 

Essential Functions:

• Conduct in-depth, mutual assessments of prospective foster/adoptive families to determine suitability for foster home licensing in accordance with DCFS Rule 402, the Child Care Act, agency policies and procedures and other applicable rules and procedures. Conduct ongoing, mutual assessment with licensed families to ensure quality care for children and for purposes of monitoring, license renewal and/or enforcement.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of the recruitment plan for new foster homes. Efforts should be made to secure foster families that can be matched to the population served by the programs.
•  Complete and submit all required reports, documentation and billing accurately and timely as required by agency and finding sources.
• Identify ongoing training and support issues in existing homes and facilitate provision of services needed to meet identified needs. This may include designing and providing training or arranging in the community. Include foster/adoptive parent in assessment and planning process.
•  Participate in supervisory process for guidance, direction, support, and approval of decision-making, assessment, service planning and intervention. Participate in program staffings and present prospective and licensed families for staffing in preparation for recommending licensure, renewal of license or other critical decision.
• Initiate mutual assessment process with new applicants within 15 days of receipt of completed application packet or as assigned by supervisor; complete initial home studies within 75 days of receipt of completed application packet.
• Work in collaboration with the CCS network management team and/or other intra agency entities on program, fiscal, community & organizational issues.
• Consistently refine practice to achieve outcome measures established by agency QF process as well as Child and Family Services Review.
• Assists in the planning and facilitation of training for foster/birth/adoptive parents and staff as required.
• Conduct complaint investigations and other enforcement activities in accordance with Child Care Act, DCFS rule and procedure and the agency’s annual Foster Parent Rights and Responsibilities Implementation Plan.

 Position Qualifications:
In addition to a real passion for working with at-risk children and families, this opportunity requires:

• A Bachelor's’ degree in Social Work or a related human services field required.
• State licensing/certification as required by the State of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS, CWEL) required.
• Previous child welfare experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a clear, comprehensible manner, both written and verbally.
• Basic understanding of Excel, Word, SharePoint, etc. and willingness to learn other systems used by LSSI.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of the licensing team, both immediate and throughout agency.
• Background check clearance, both criminal and CANTS.
• A valid Illinois driver’s license in good standing for the state of residency subject. Access to reliable transportation. Valid IL statutory minimum 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.

Salary : $50,000 - $55,000