Permanency Specialist - Marion

About the role

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is seeking a Permanency Specialist in Marion, IL. Under general supervision, the position provides professional child welfare casework services to children and families, determines the need and coordinates the placement of children in substitute care facilities, and conducts interviews with clients and professionals to develop treatment plans. It is a full-time, salaried position with three vacancies.

Key responsibilities

• Provide casework services, coordinate placement of children in substitute care, and testify in court about client history and future plans
• Prepare reports, studies and witness statements ordered by the court, and prepare case documentation and agency forms
• Evaluate family progress toward parenting standards and permanency outcomes such as family preservation, reunification or another appropriate outcome
• Develop service plans, counsel families on services, implement plans and refer for services
• Support foster parents and service providers, monitor visits between parents and children in placements, and drive to field locations for on-site interviews
• Transport clients for protective custody, placement changes and appointments, and work on a rotating 24-hour on-call basis
• Participate in case staffings, multi-disciplinary conferences and supervisory conferences, and maintain working relationships with community and state agencies

Required profile

• Preferably a master's degree in social work, or a related human service master's degree with one year of related casework or case management experience
• A bachelor's degree in social work with one year of related experience, or a related bachelor's degree with two years of related experience
• Ability to travel, including overnight stays, and a valid driver's license with daily access to a car and proof of insurance
• Background check and self-disclosure of criminal history; ability to work evenings, weekends and on call, including overtime

What we offer

• Starting salary of $6,460 per month, up to $9,337
• Pension program and group health, life, dental and vision insurance
• 12 paid sick days, 13 paid holidays, 10-25 vacation days and 3 personal business days
• Flexible schedules, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and deferred compensation program
• 5% salary differential for bilingual positions