Family Development Specialist

FamilyCore understands that strong families are at the heart of any vibrant, tight-knit community. Through the mission of "instilling hope by creating the right balance of resources and care to foster and equip healthy productive children and families," our 90 dedicated employees are committed to the investment of strengthening families with the tools and ties to succeed.

Our team works with schools, the court system, and other social service agencies to connect counseling, intervention, preventative education, and other support services for families in need. FamilyCore, a private, non-profit, nationally accredited social service agency with over 120 years of service, takes a holistic approach in its continuum of care, often providing boosts of support to multiple generations. The end goal is to maintain the integrity of the family.

Be a part of this goal by joining the FamilyCore Team!

FamilyCore offers a Full Benefits Package including:

• Competitive Pay
• Generous Paid Time off and Holidays
• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits
• Employer funded Health Savings Account
• Basic Life Insurance & Voluntary Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability & Long-Term Disability
• 401k (3% Employer Contribution after vested)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Wellness Program
• Culture supporting Work/Life Balance

Position Summary: License Traditional and Relative Foster homes in compliance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services 402 rule and procedure. Conduct monitoring visits to ensure the standards are maintained for the safety and well-being of the children placed in the home.

Responsibilities:

• Gather information and documentation to complete the licensing process, including renewals.
• Complete background checks per Illinois Department of Children and Family Services 402 rule and procedure.
• Prepare licensing home study.
• Participate in recruitment plan and recruits new foster homes and handles all new inquiries regarding foster care.
• Conduct monitoring visits in accordance with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services rule and procedure.
• Conduct licensing complaints and investigations.
• Participate in the Foster Parent law and implementation plan and provides support to the foster parents.
• Provide on-call services for the foster care program.
• Adhere to standards adopted through Council on Accreditation.
• Ability to organize and maintain data and confidential information.
• Responsible for the purchase of initial clothing and infant care equipment.
• Develop and monitor safety plans per licensing standards.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with all internal and external clients.
• Responsible for adhering to Illinois Department of Children and Family Services placement and clearance procedure.
• Ensure safety protocols and policies are practiced at all times.
• Assume responsibility for professional development and cultural competency.
• *Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in social work or related field required.
• 2 years' experience required.
• Ability to pass the licensing test and the Child Care Act exam.

Competency:

• Working knowledge of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Rule and Procedure.
• Basic computer skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of Child Welfare and the Foster Parent Law and the Bill of Rights.
• Ability to organize and maintain data and confidential information.
• Ability to establish and maintain a client focus.
• Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries with clients.
• Must possess valid Illinois Driver's License in good standing and proof of valid vehicle insurance.
• Must pass required background check with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
• Must pass background checks with Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Health Care Worker Registry, and Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services OIG Provider Sanctions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Safe, reliable personal vehicle, to be used for FamilyCore business, including transporting clients.
• Must be CPR and First Aid certified.
• Must complete child passenger safety training.
• Utilize time tracking software and all other software required to fulfill duties.
• Ability to be sensitive and understanding of cultural and lifestyle differences of all people regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, or background.
• Successfully complete FamilyCore training as required.

Physical:

• Regular sitting, walking, and reaching.
• Occasional reaching overhead, grasping, fingering, standing, stooping, lifting, pulling and pushing up to 45 lbs. and other physical activities related to an office environment.
• Operate general office equipment, including multi-line phone, fax machine, printer, copier, and personal computer, with or without dual monitors.
• Perform all job requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment:

• Work occurs in and out of an office environment. Frequently exposed to loud noise and outdoor weather conditions.
• May be subject to noise, distraction, and interruptions. May be subject difficult client interactions that involve behavioral and/or emotional challenges.

FamilyCore is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

*Clarification for 'Other duties as assigned': This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Note: Applicable law does not allow FamilyCore to hire/employ persons that have been declared a sexually dangerous person or that have been convicted of certain crimes. (See, e.g. 89 Ill. Adm. Code 385.10 et seq. for further detail).