Child Welfare Specialist - Independent Living

Kaleidoscope Inc, a charitable organization, located in Chicago by the United Center, and is seeking to fill the position of Independent Living Specialist .

In addition to our competitive compensation and benefits package, we are also offering a $3,000 signing bonus!

We are seeking individuals who want to be a part of a small team and make a big impact. We strive to ensure each program participant has an opportunity to enjoy safe and healthy lives nurtured by supportive adults and engaged communities.

We work within complex systems and advocate for change. You will carry a small caseload of youth with the goal of promoting safety, wellbeing, and successful emancipation.

At Kaleidoscope we value our employees and seek to provide them with opportunities for professional growth. We offer our employees on-going attachment and trauma-informed clinical training, flexible work schedules, competitive pay, and an excellent benefits package.

Kaleidoscope's benefits package includes :

• $3,000 Signing Bonus!
• An average of over 80% paid for employee coverage in our medical plans through Blue Shield and Blue Shield.
• PPO Dental Plan
• FREE Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance, AD&D, Vision and TelaDoc (an On-demand medical care service)
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO). Starting at 26 days per year!
• 11 paid Holidays
• Paid Birthday holiday
• 403b Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement
• Staff luncheons and fun staff development outings and activities

Job Summary

The Independent Living Specialist is responsible for providing a variety of community and home-based case management services to assigned youth with the goal of promoting safety, wellbeing, and successful emancipation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Position-Specific

• Demonstrate agency clinical philosophy in all aspects of program activities.
• Promptly respond to new ILO referrals by actively participating in apartment searches and admission activities.
• Develop and document thorough initial and ongoing assessments of each assigned youth.
• Collaborate with the youth's chosen team to develop, review, and modify Service Plans that address assessment needs related to safety and wellbeing and post-emancipation needs.
• Prepare for and attend Administrative Case Reviews (ACR's), CIPP meetings, and court hearings for all assigned youth.
• In consultation with supervisor, make recommendations to DCFS and court personnel on services and placement.
• Monitor the safety and wellbeing of assigned youth through face-to-face visits in the home and community, as required.
• Consult regularly with professional and chosen members of the youth's team to ensure quality service coordination and communication.
• Ensure that client case files are accurate and complete.
• Document all admission, ongoing and closing activities in a timely manner using approved forms / databases.
• Maintain an awareness of community resources appropriate to youth needs and makes proper use of these resources through referral and follow-up.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Foster Care and ILO.

Educational Requirements / General Qualifications

Minimum Degree Required : Bachelor's degree in social work or social service related degree.

Minimum Years of Experience : Bachelor's degree requires at least 2 years of experience in social services; Master's degree requires at least 1 year of experience

Licensure : LCSW or LCPC licensure preferred

Other Requirements : Must possess or pass CWEL, CANS, CERAP and other State of Illinois certifications, as required. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication and time management skills.

Full time use of minimally insured operating automobile and valid driver's license.

EEO Statement

Kaleidoscope Inc. is an Equal Opportunity / Inclusive / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.

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