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. Responsible for providing consultation regarding permanency issues including but not limited to identifying and removing barriers to permanency, working to secure appropriate placements for children, monitoring, and taking action to complete permanencies with children waiting for reunification or adoption/subsidized guardianship. Also responsible for providing linkages between caseworkers, recruitment resource specialists, adoptions staff and community providers to expedite and finalize the permanency process and ensure all necessary actions and reviews have taken place to facilitate positive permanency outcomes.

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:

• Assist the worker and facilitate linkages to community resources to prepare the home of parent.
• Assist the worker with post adoption, Guardianship connection to the DCFS unit prior to finalization.
• Work to secure additional service resources in a timely manner to expedite permanency.
• When reunification is not possible, assist the worker in listing children for adoption with Greenlight or the applicable Adoption Registry.
• Assist the worker to complete required documentation and home study to begin the Adoption or Sub Guardianship subsidy process.
• Submit, monitor, and follow up with the needs of the subsidy packet pending DCFS approval.
• Support the worker with completion of ICPC documentation to IDCFS needed for out of state permanency options for children with relatives and licensed potential adoptive families, and work with the receiving state to eliminate barriers.
• Demonstrate professional, positive behavior and carry out responsibilities with integrity, treating clients, families, other LSSI workforce members, and collaborative organizations and/or individual in a dignified, respectful, honest, and fair manner.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, or another related human service field required.
• Background check clearance, both criminal and CANTS and be able to pass State of Illinois examination on Licensing Standards for Foster Family Homes (402), the Child Care Act required.
• CWEL preferred.
• Experience working with children with special needs preferred, as well as experience or training in Reunification, Adoption and Sub-Guardianship required.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with families.
• Proficient in the use of a computer to complete all documentation required to complete all duties required.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a clear, comprehensible manner, verbally and written.
• Experience relating to others, influencing people, and making decisions preferred.
• Excellent communication, organization, presentation, and pc/computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) along with other related software.
• Valid driver’s license, in good standing for the state of residency required.
• Access to reliable transportation for visits, meetings and to transport clients as needed.
• Valid IL statutory minimum liability insurance coverage, bodily injury, and property damage required.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, any other characteristic protected by law.