Permanency Achievement Specialist

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families, and we're still a strong, viable presence in the State of Illinois, continuing that commitment to making a difference.

LSSI is hiring a full-time Permanency Achievement Specialist, Monday through Friday.  Provides consultation regarding permanency issues; identifies and removes barriers to permanency, working to secure appropriate placements for children; monitors and takes action to complete permanencies with children waiting for reunification or adoption/subsidized guardianship. Provides linkages between caseworkers, recruitment resource specialists, adoptions staff, and community providers to expedite and finalize the permanency process and ensures.

Benefits and Perks: 

LSSI is growing! Come be a part of this rewarding environment, and enjoy the knowledge that you’re helping make a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as these career advantages: 

• On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience, and licensure.
• Salary $58,000-$61,000/Annually.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Comprehensive benefits package for Full-time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
• The paid training you need to learn, grow, and succeed!

Essential Functions:

• Assists the worker and facilitates linkages to community resources to prepare the home of the parent.
• Assists the worker with post-adoption, Guardianship connection to the DCFS unit prior to finalization.
• Works to secure additional service resources in a timely manner to expedite permanency.
• When reunification is not possible, assists the worker in listing children for adoption with Greenlight or the applicable Adoption registry.
• Assists the worker in completing the required documentation and home study to begin the Adoption or Sub Guardianship subsidy process.
• Submits, monitors, and follows up with the needs of the subsidy packet pending DCFS approval.
• Supports the worker with the completion of ICPC documentation to IDCFS needed for out-of-state permanency options for children with relatives and licensed potential adoptive families and works with the receiving state to eliminate barriers.
• Performs other related tasks as needed.

Position Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in social work or another related human service field is required.
• CWEL preferred but not required.
• Ability to engage with families.
• Must be proficient in the use of a computer to complete all documentation required to complete the duties below. Experience working with children with special needs preferred, as well as experience or training in Reunification, Adoption, and Sub-Guardianship.
• Must have a valid Illinois Driver’s License and an ability to pass a background check and be able to pass the State of Illinois examination on Licensing Standards for Foster Family Homes (402), the Child Care Act.
• Excellent communication, organization, presentation, and pc/computer skills (including proficiency with Microsoft Office — Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) along with other related software.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and proof of automobile liability insurance required.
• Access to transportation for visits and to transport clients to and from appointments.
• Position requires valid IL statutory minimum liability auto insurance coverage (including bodily injury and property damage).