Transitional Living Program Caseworker

JOB TITLE: Transitional Living Program Caseworker REPORTS TO: Residential Director LOCATION: Shelter Youth & Family Services TLP in Arlington Heights, IL

ABOUT SHELTER YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES

Shelter Youth & Family Services provides emergency housing, community-based services, and support for youth and families in crisis. Founded in 1975, we've grown into a leading voice for child welfare, human trafficking response, foster care innovation, and trauma-informed care in Illinois. With a current budget of $10M and ambitious plans to grow to $15M, our mission is to end the cycle of abuse and neglect by providing safe, healthy, and stable lives for children and families.

Shelter Youth & Family Services is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgrounds and identities. We actively strive to create an environment that supports all employees, placing value in contributions from people from diverse backgrounds, and honoring all experiences, perspectives, and unique identities. Our mission is to protect children, strengthen families, and transform communities. Joining us in this role will give you a chance to help fulfill that mission and help the community. Shelter and its facilities are drug and smoke-free environments.

Learn more at shelter-inc.org.

Shelter Youth and Family Services encourages the application of all bilingual applicants to work with our client community. Applicants who can successfully certify their skill level in reading, speaking, and writing in two languages with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may receive an additional salary stipend. Certification testing is set by DCFS.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Position Overview – Transitional Living Program Caseworker

The Transitional Living Program Caseworker is responsible for managing a caseload of up to ten male identifying youth, ages 17.5-21, who are participating in the transitional living program. The Caseworker provides individualized case management, guidance, and support to help young adults develop the skills needed to achieve independence and successfully transition into adulthood. Responsibilities include developing and monitoring individualized service plans, connecting participants with community resources, and supporting progress toward goals related to housing stability, education, employment, life skills, and overall well-being. The Caseworker maintains accurate documentation, monitors participant progress, and collaborates with program staff and community partners to ensure participants receive appropriate services and support in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.

The Caseworker is responsible for the provision of client services to Transitional Living Program clients. In general, these include the provision of all case management duties in compliance with the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services' (DCFS) rules and regulations. This position operates under the direction and supervision of the Residential Director.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in all activities related to referral and intake, e.g. screening referrals, arranging pre-placement visits, establishing admission date, arranging for case transfer to Shelter, processing appropriate paperwork to DCFS and the Residential Director.
• Responsible for conducting all required periodic assessments as required by DCFS; e.g. CANS, Risk Assessment (CERAP), Integrated Assessment.
• Responsible for preparing court reports and attending all required court hearings.
• Responsible for preparing DCFS service plans and attending DCFS Administrative Case Reviews.
• Responsible for completing weekly and monthly paperwork as required by DCFS monitoring.
• Participate in Child & Family Team Meetings and quarterly client transition staffings.
• Provide financial competency courses to clients based on specific training requirements from DCFS.
• Ensure each client is receiving all recommended services.
• Meet weekly with each resident to assess their well-being in terms of adjustment to the program, services they are receiving and assessing for any unmet needs.
• Provide referral, linkage and on-going monitoring of external service providers.
• Ensure the youth is current with all medical exams and requirements; e.g. physicals, dentals, vision, hearing, etc.
• Maintain documentation in the DCFS SACWIS system in accordance with DCFS policies and procedures.
• Maintain agency case records for each resident in accordance with DCFS policy.
• Coordinate all activities related to discharge planning and provide the indicated aftercare services to each resident as applicable in accordance with DCFS policy and procedure.
• Comply with agency policies and procedures and the Department of Children & Family Services "Code of Ethics for Child Welfare Professionals."
• Other duties as assigned by the Residential Director.

 

ACCOUNTABILITY

 

The Transitional Living Program Caseworker shall be supervised and accountable to the Residential Director.

 

WORK SCHEDULED AND LOCATION

 

This is an in-office position with regular working hours of Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Employees are expected to maintain this schedule and be available during established business hours. Due to the nature of the position, work outside of regular business hours may occasionally be necessary to address urgent matters, operational demands, or unforeseen circumstances. Additional hours or schedule adjustments will be at the discretion and direction of the supervisor, based on client needs.

While the position is primarily in-office, flexibility in scheduling and/or work arrangements may be considered and earned over time based on demonstrated performance, reliability, accountability, and the needs of the organization. Any flexible arrangements must be discussed and approved in advance by the supervisor and may be modified or discontinued based on operational needs.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 25 years of age in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Licensing Standards for Transitional Living Programs.
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited school required. Degree in Human Services field preferred.
• CWEL preferred; however, must successfully obtain Child Welfare License (CWEL) within three months of employment date.
• Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of Shelter's mission, vision, and values.
• Must have a valid Illinois driver's license, automobile, and must submit proof of Illinois auto insurance.
• Must complete a Medical and T.B. test. Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the latest CDC guidelines.
• 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 educational transcripts from the last school in which a degree was awarded.
• Must become CPR, CPI and Think Trauma certified within 30 days of employment.
• 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.

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 and a vehicle. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and reach with hands or arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Shelter is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgrounds and identities. We actively strive to create an environment that supports all employees, placing value in contributions from people from diverse backgrounds, and honoring all experiences, perspectives, and unique identities.

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 primarily in the agency facilities, and occasionally in vehicles, meeting rooms both in the facility and at other agency sites.

CLASSIFICATION STATUS

This is an exempt position.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary: $63,650
• Benefits:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability coverage
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Paid holidays and generous PTO
• Professional development opportunities
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
• Cell Phone reimbursement

Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including individuals from historically underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a safe and inclusive workplace for all.