Permanency Specialist

Permanency Achievement Specialist

Position Summary

The Permanency Achievement Specialist assists in achieving permanency outcomes for children and families through reunification, adoption, and subsidized guardianship services. This position works collaboratively with caseworkers, foster families, community providers, and DCFS to help remove barriers to permanency and ensure all required documentation and processes are completed in a timely manner.

The ideal candidate is organized, compassionate, detail-oriented, and passionate about supporting children and families involved in the child welfare system.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related human service field required
• CWEL preferred, but not required
• Experience or training in Reunification, Adoption, and Subsidized Guardianship preferred
• Experience working with children with special needs preferred
• Ability to effectively engage and communicate with children, families, foster parents, and community partners
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time management skills
• Computer proficiency and ability to complete electronic documentation accurately and timely
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License required
• Ability to pass a background check
• Ability to pass the State of Illinois written examination on Licensing Standards for Foster Family Homes (Rule 402) and the Child Care Act

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

I. Permanency Services

• Provide consultation regarding permanency issues and assist in identifying and removing barriers to permanency
• Support reunification, adoption, and subsidized guardianship permanency goals
• Assist workers with connecting families to community resources to prepare the parent home environment
• Support post-adoption and guardianship connections with DCFS prior to finalization
• Assist with listing children for adoption through Greenlight or applicable adoption registries when reunification is not possible
• Complete required documentation and home studies for adoption and subsidized guardianship processes
• Assist with ICPC documentation for out-of-state permanency placements and coordinate with receiving states to address barriers
• Collaborate with caseworkers, recruitment specialists, adoption staff, and community providers to expedite permanency outcomes
• Complete legal screening processes related to termination of parental rights, simplified adoptions, and subsidized guardianships
• Gather and organize legal screening documentation in collaboration with caseworkers

II. Direct Services

• Provide transportation for clients as directed
• Supervise family visitation as assigned
• Participate in case staffing with foster care workers and supervisors
• Maintain timely communication with parents, foster parents, and service providers regarding appointments and visits
• Coordinate transportation and visitation logistics
• Conduct home study interviews with prospective adoptive and guardianship families

III. Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities
• Maintain timely email and voicemail communication
• Keep Outlook calendar updated and shared with supervisor
• Submit service tickets and visitation records weekly
• Attend agency meetings, trainings, and supervisory sessions as assigned
• Comply with all agency policies and procedures

IV. Core Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated and dependable
• Team-oriented mindset
• Excellent organization and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively
• Strong documentation and computer skills

Why Join Our Team?

Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to supporting children and families through meaningful permanency outcomes. This role provides the opportunity to make a direct impact in the lives of youth and families while working alongside a collaborative and supportive team.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on sex, race, creed, national origin, marital status, age, disability, or membership in any particular organization.