Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Permanency Specialist. Under general supervision, this position will provide professional child welfare casework services to children and families, determining the need and coordinating the placement of children in substitute care facilities. Additionally, the position will conduct interviews with clients and professionals to obtain information for the continued diagnosis of problems and development of treatment plans. This position provides a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about children and interested in playing a role in ensuring the safety and stability of children and youth. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills and strong communication skills. We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois.

Job Responsibilities

1. Serves as Permanency Specialist

2. Works with intact families and children in home and/or substitute care

3. Conducts interviews with clients and professionals to obtain information for the continued diagnosis of problems and development of treatment plans.

4. Transports clients when taking protective custody, when placing them in substitute care, and when changing placement location

5. Prepares and maintains case documentation for planning, implementing, and evaluating services

6. Participates in case staffing's to facilitate case transfer and participates in multi-disciplinary diagnostic and technical staff conferences to assess needed services.

7. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferably requires a master's degree in social work;

or

Requires a master's degree in a related human service field, supplemented by one (1) year of directly related professional casework/case management experience;

or

Requires a bachelor's degree in social work and one (1) year of directly related professional casework/case management experience;

or

Requires a bachelor's degree in a related human service field and two (2) years of directly related professional casework/case management experience

The college or university issuing a bachelor's or master's degree must be accredited, and the degree program in social work must be approved by the Council on Social Work Education. The directly related professional casework/case management experience must be related to family preservation, family reunification, adoption, youth development, counseling, and advocacy services or a related field.

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires a valid driver's license, daily access to an automobile, and proof of vehicle insurance

2. Requires ability to pass a background check

3. Requires physical, visual and auditory ability to carry out assigned duties

4. Requires ability to work in a 24 hour "on call" capacity

About the Agency

DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus.