FOSTER CARE CASE WORKER

FOSTER CARE CASE WORKER
Job Description
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION
The Foster Care Case Worker is responsible for the provision of client services to Foster Care clients. This
includes supervision of clients, assessment, referral, and coordination of services to high-risk families in
need of social services, and the maintenance of client services in compliance with the Department of
Family Services' rules and regulations.
SPECIFIC DUTIES
1.
As part of a team, the Foster Care Case Manager provides direct individual and family casework
services to facilitate healing through trauma informed services and community-based connections
2. Exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills, flexible and organized. Proficient use of
computer knowledge. Ability to learn DCFS programming.
3. Provides support and education to enhance parenting skills and to prepare youth for self-sufficiency
upon emancipation
4. Continuous assessment and service planning for assigned clients that adequately and appropriately
address the client/family's unique service needs
5. Implements client service plans, monitors service plan progress, and reviews progress with supervisor
and DCFS as required
6. Demonstrates insight regarding client strengths and needs. Can incorporate this into service
planning and assessment
7. Assesses and monitors the safety of clients in current living arrangement and makes any needed
recommendations and referrals for appropriate placement
8. Assesses permanency options; recommends permanency plan for clients; and implements plan to
achieve permanency for clients
9. As part of a team, the Foster Care Case Manager develops a working knowledge of community
resources to use in serving clients and maintains a productive working relationship with these
providers
10. Provides referrals and linkages to appropriate resources; secures all written agreements in
accordance with DCFS guidelines
11. Responds in a timely manner (within 24-48 hours) all written correspondence, email and phone call
inquiries regarding clients
12. Provide court testimony, develop reports, participate in administrative case reviews, host child and
family team meetings, maintain case files
3227 N. Wilke Rd Arlington Heights IL 60004 * PH: 847.595.0133 Email: dowilliams@shelter-inc.org
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13. Makes frequent reports to supervisor on progress of client services, as well as required written reports
14. Maintains accurate, complete and timely client records and data as required by DCFS and Shelter
Youth and Family Services. Case notes should be entered within 48 hours.
15. Reports client progress in court proceedings through clear written reports submitted as required,
and through accurate verbal testimony
16. Reports all possible critical incidents and unusual incidents to supervisor, management, or DCFS as
required by DCFS and Shelter Youth and Family Services
17. Maintains client face-to-face contact through a required number of home and community visits
18. Provides continuous outreach to client, family members and other significant people in the client's
life to maintain relationships
19. Plans, coordinates and supervise required family or sibling visits. Models appropriate adult/child
interactions at all times
20. Always acts in a professional manner and maintains appropriate boundaries with clients
21. Demonstrates accountability for results and keeps commitments consistent with client service plan
22. Reports to work, meetings, training, and job related activities prepared and as scheduled
23. Demonstrates openness and respect for cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and
coworkers
24. Performs other related tasks as required or assigned
ACCOUNTABILITY
The Case Worker shall be supervised by and accountable to the Foster Care Supervisor and Director.
HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT
Hours and days shall be scheduled by the Foster Care Supervisor and Director. Required to maintain flexible schedule
to meet the needs of clients.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
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Bachelor's Degree in human services field required from an accredited school. Experience in
child welfare or related field preferred. Master's Degree in Social Work desired.
Must meet Child Care Facility Driver requirements in accordance with the Illinois Department of
Children and Family Services.
Must pass CWEL Exam and Permanency Foundation courses as required by Illinois Department
of Children and Family Services
Must have a valid driver's license, a reliable automobile, adequate automobile insurance and
good driving record.
Must become certified in CPR, First Aid and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) within six months of
employment date.
Must complete a Medical and T.B. test providing proof of results.
Must be fingerprinted by the State of Illinois and must submit to a full Background Check
through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
Must submit official academic transcripts from the last school in which a degree was awarded.
Ability to lift 40 lbs.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
3227 N. Wilke Rd Arlington Heights IL 60004 * PH: 847.595.0133 Email: dowilliams@shelter-inc.org
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While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; stand; walk;
and use hands to handle or operate objects. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance,
stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, reach with hands or arms. The employee will be working closely with children and
families from all different communities we serve. This will require the ability to drive for extended periods of
time in rural or urban areas. The employee will need to be able to visit clients in their home setting, which
will require the ability to climb stairs to access different living spaces of the client's home to assess for safety
concerns. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by
this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters
while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed at the agency office (twice weekly), courthouse, DCFS office facilities, client's homes,
frequently in a company or private vehicle, and at your home (for hybrid positions). Must maintain an
insured personal vehicle.
CLASSIFICATION STATUS
This is a non-exempt position.
SALARY
$63,954.00
ABOUT SHELTER Since 1975, Shelter has been a leader in Chicagoland for providing the emotional and physical care, programs, and
services that children need to build safer, healthier, and brighter futures. We are the only agency in the state of Illinois to provide fully
comprehensive and community-based services for children and families at risk and in need. Our programs include emergency housing,
transitional living, foster care, home visiting, and clinical support services. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Shelter is
committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgrounds and identities.
SEND APPLICATION BY MAIL, FAX OR EMAIL
3227 N. Wilke Rd. Arlington Heights, IL 60004
FAX: 847.590.6184 * Email: dowilliams@shelter-inc.org
Application in PDF format * Application in Microsoft Word format