Permanency Support Specialist

Description

Welcome to your opportunity to change the world! If you have a servant’s heart and want to be part of something truly special, then Caritas Family Solutions needs you. We have been serving the people of Illinois since 1947 and have over 500 committed and mission-driven team members.  At Caritas, we do not hire people for jobs, we find new team members for rewarding and life-changing careers that make the world better. 

If you are kind, patient, and ready to make a difference, we would love to meet you!

Full-time employees are offered the competitive benefits outlined below:

• Generous Paid Time Off 
• Paid training
• Health Insurance 
• Dental and Vision
• Life insurance
• 403(b) with company contribution 5%
• Tuition reimbursement

We know great candidates bring a wide range of experience. If you believe you can be successful in this role, we encourage you to apply — even if you don’t meet every qualification listed. 

Job Title: Foster Care Permanency Support Specialist

Department: Foster Care

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Supervisor

Compensation Starting Pay: $17.25/hr

PURPOSE: The Foster Care Permanency Support Specialist provides administrative and case support to Foster Care Case Managers and Supervisors. This position assists with documentation, court preparation, data entry, legal tracking, and other support activities that contribute to achieving permanency outcomes for children and families served by the agency.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist Foster Care Case Managers with preparation for court hearings, Administrative Case Reviews (ACRs), Child and Individual Permanency Planning Meetings (CIPPs), and other required meetings.
• Prepare, proofread, edit, and type reports, correspondence, and other agency documents.
• File court reports and maintain court-related documentation.
• Electronically file or physically submit required legal documents as needed.
• Enter and maintain CFS 502 information within SACWIS.
• Submit required forms, including the 1425L.
• Track and assist with legal screenings and associated documentation.
• Maintain organized case records and files in accordance with agency requirements.
• Provide transportation for children or parents on an occasional emergency basis, as assigned.
• Maintain the confidentiality of client and agency information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Please note that the Responsibilities and Qualifications provide a general overview of the primary duties for this role and the basic qualifications. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED/PREFERRED:

Degree/Field Required:High School Diploma or GED (Related fields will be considered.) 

Experience Preferred:  Administrative support, child welfare, social service, legal, or related experience preferred.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

Manager-Specific: N/A

Basic: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, written and verbal communication skills, ability to maintain accurate documentation, ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines, confidentiality, and professionalism.

Social: Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with children, families, foster parents, court personnel, agency staff, and community partners. Demonstrates professionalism, empathy, collaboration, and customer service skills.

Problem Solving/Decision-Making: Ability to prioritize workflow, identify administrative barriers impacting case progress, exercise sound judgment when handling confidential information, and adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.

Proficient Computer Skills In:Outlook, Word, Excel, Database Management Software, SACWIS, and electronic documentation systems.

Expert Computer Skills In:N/A

Resource Management: Ability to organize and maintain case files, court documentation, legal records, and agency forms. Supports Case Managers by ensuring timely completion and submission of required documentation.

Technical:Ability to maintain electronic case records, complete required documentation accurately, perform data entry in SACWIS, utilize electronic filing systems, and process court-related documentation.

Trauma-Informed:Must display a willingness to adopt trauma informed interventions, principles, and practices as well as commitment to ongoing development of their capacity for application of trauma informed care. Realizes the prevalence of trauma among persons served by Caritas and the general population. Recognizes how trauma affects everyone involved—including clients, their families, staff, and community—and impacts behaviors. Responds to trauma by actively implementing the guiding principles of trauma informed care into their daily practice. Resists re-traumatization of persons served and staff providing services by creating safe, welcoming, and supportive environments.

VEHICLE RELATED REQUIREMENTS: 

Access to reliable transportation: Required.

Access to a reliable automobile: Required.

Proof of continued auto insurance: Required.

Valid driver’s license: Required.

Additional license requirements: N/A

DRUG FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Caritas Family Solutions is dedicated to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive environment for our clients and employees. As part of this, a strict drug-free workplace policy is maintained.