Social Worker, Strengthening Connections

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Strengthening Connections Manager, the Strengthening Connections Social Worker (WDOC) will support families engaged in the Women’s Dignity of Choice Pilot Program through trauma-informed case management and care coordination services. Strengthening Connections Social Worker (WDOC) will also support recruitment of participants for the pilot, including building relationships with community organizations that serve justice impacted women and presenting information on the program and its benefits for potential participants and community organizations.

As a part of our Strengthening Connections Work to support children and families impacted by incarceration, we are partnering as the care coordination and childcare partner for the Women’s Dignity of Choice Pilot. Women’s Dignity of Choice is building a service system that reflects and prioritizes the desires, choices, and autonomy of the women it serves. By recognizing women as the experts of their own lived experiences, we honor their ability to play an active role in making their own financial decisions and utilize other program resources as they see fit. Through a human-centered, inclusive, and gender responsive approach that builds upon their unique strengths and brilliance, we provide the necessary support to equip women to choose their own life pathways and thrive.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following. The organization reserves the right to add to, delete, change or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time.

1. Builds respectful, culturally responsive, and trusting relationships with women and their families.
2. Manage case of program participants and inputs data from written records, participant goals that enhance participant and family well-being.
3. Work closely with Women’s Dignity of Choice partners to referral participants to housing, workforce service, childcare resources and/or additional participant service needs.
4. Initiates social service referrals and follow-up services for families.
5. Identify and build relationships with social service and community organizations to ensure warm referral for participants. Additionally, works with organizations to recruit participants for pilots.
6. Presents information on IAFC’s role in Women’s Dignity of Choice Pilot, Women’s Dignity of Choice Pilot and Strengthening Connections at IAFC.
7. Establishes and maintains an efficient and effective record-keeping system.
8. Maintains knowledge of community resources and possesses the skills to link families with appropriate agencies and services.
9. Works closely with schools, local social service agencies, health and recreation agencies as necessary to develop services plans for families.
10. Assists in identifying counseling needs for families as needed
11. Provides minor crisis intervention services as needed and may refer families to a variety of related community agencies and services.
12. Assists in emergency relocation of families threatened with imminent harm or violence.
13. Assists in resolving conflicts and/or mediating situations involving families
14. Acts as a liaison between family service providers/schools to facilitate access to services.
15. Provides information on available services for participants’ family members.
16. Collaborates with hospitals, clinics and community service providers to engage families in community events and/or services.
17. Engages in emergency home visits with program participants and families in events of consecutive non-communications.
18. Maintain confidentiality of client’s Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
19. Performs other duties as assigned and collaborates with other critical agency functions to ensure the success of IAFC projects.
20. Execute our workplace core capabilities as follows: accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement (CQI), communication, competent people and clear priorities.

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.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

1. Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, early childhood education or related field is required. A Master’s degree in social worker a related field is strongly preferred.
2. Social work licensure (LSW, LPC, LCPC, LCSW) required.
3. At least 1 to 2 years of experience in early education and/or social services
4. Experience working with priority populations as defined by the Illinois Early Learning Council, preferably Children who are Impacted by Parental Involvement in the Criminal Justice System. Excellent written and oral communication skills
5. Ability to initiate, build, and manage cohesive partnerships and professional relationships both internally and externally.
6. Must possess a valid driver’s license, insurance, and a safe driving record.

Benefits of Working at IAFC:

• Working with passionate team members that are driven by our Mission: Illinois Action for Children is a catalyst for organizing, developing, and supporting strong families and powerful communities where children matter most.
• We strive to foster and implement a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our organization. We know it is not only critical to the success of diversity initiatives - but instrumental in creating an unbiassed and inclusive workplace! It not only relates to the diverse clients we serve but also creates a positive employee experience.
• We offer an extensive benefits package that adds value to your total compensation. Our benefits include:
• Health, dental and vision insurance plans with company contribution of 95% for single coverage
• 401k with company match
• Generous PTO – first year-23 days, the second year-28 days, the third year and on - 35 days
• 11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account
• STD & LTD insurance
• Company paid Life Insurance

IL Action for Children is EEO/M/F/V/D employer

While we desire for this job posting to be comprehensive, all aspects of the position may be amended at any time at the discretion of IAFC including job duties, work location and/or work schedule.