Foster Care Onboarding Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

WHO WE ARE:

Annually serving over 1,400 youth and families, Lawrence Hall is a community-based organization committed to helping Chicago's youth, families, and communities heal from the adverse effects of childhood trauma. For more than 150 years, Lawrence Hall has been delivering high-quality care throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and is a statewide leader in highly effective, evidence-based, and innovative therapeutic treatment. Their core programs-Child and Family Treatment Center, Therapeutic Day School, Creative Therapies, Foster Care, Transitional/Independent Living Program, Workforce Development, and Community Wellness-have met the changing and complex needs of youth and families by not only becoming more community based, but also by developing more preventative programs that help curb violence in Chicago's communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reports to the assigned Program Manager or Vice President. Coordinates onboarding and acclimation of intensive cross-training for newly hired child welfare specialist. Actively participates in recruitment of foster care staff. Plays an integral role in foster care staff retention. Provides a more in depth post-CWEL foundations training and shadowing curriculum to support the child welfare specialist new to their position. Good written and verbal communication skills are essential. Requires knowledge of trauma exposure, knowledge of the 5 S's of trauma: Safety, Self- Regulation/Soothing, Supportive, Strengths, Self-Care, and an understanding of and recognition of the signs of traumatic stress. Must be able to effectively use verbal and intervention skills with individuals six (6) through twenty-one (21) years of age. Flexible schedule required as Onboarding Specialist may need to work with employees at various times of the day/days of the week.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position requires constant contact with employees and connectivity to the overall organizational strategies to help improve performance
• Lead the child welfare specialist new hire onboarding experience during the first 90 days
• Provides re-education to staff as needed to encourage development
• Shadow new foster care employees during the orientation period on court dates and home visits to provide support and coaching in consultation with the assigned supervisor
• Maintain job aids, learning materials and resources related to child welfare specialist processes/procedures
• Orient, train, coach and evaluate all new foster care employees in their service functions
• Maintains staff records including tracking staff Professional Development and continuing education to ensure all staff are up-to-date and in compliance
• Sets a positive example for employees, is a role model. Supports and trains employees on appropriate strategies using the 5 S's and therapeutic de-escalation skills
• Promotes professional growth in employees, fostering strengths and redirecting efforts as necessary
• Work with the HR team to develop and execute a child welfare specialist recruitment, orientation, training and retention plan that can reflect outcomes at increased capacity and retention.
• Working with the Development and Marketing team, utilizes a multi-systemic approach to recruit foster care staff, including but not limited to:

1. Advertisements (determine value and efficacy of such advertisements)
2. Presentations to the community

• Demonstrate a commitment to and participate in continuous professional development and knowledge of child welfare industry

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree and two years of related work experience
• Minimum of two years of experience in the child welfare field
• Must have a Child Welfare Employee Licensure in good standing
• Experience in training child welfare specialist processes/procedures preferred
• Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, coaching and communication skills
• Passion for company culture and employee satisfaction
• Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferred
• Proficiency using computer programs, including Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel
• Valid Illinois/Indiana/Wisconsin driver's license. Personal vehicle may be required dependent on program assigned
• No history of child abuse or neglect

Benefits and Perks that Support You

• Time Off Benefits (PTO): Employees receive an average of 17-25 days of PTO, including vacation, paid leave, and sick time, in addition to 9 paid holidays .
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans are available for employees, spouses/domestic partners, and child dependents.
• Wellness Reimbursement: Employees can receive up to $20 per month towards wellness-related subscriptions/memberships.
• Retirement Savings: Our 401(k) plan includes a 100% employer match on contributions up to 3% after one year of service.
• Supplemental Insurance: Coverage options include Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, and Short-Term & Long-Term Disability for employees and their families.
• Life & AD&D Insurance: Full-time employees receive term life insurance equal to twice their salary at no cost.
• Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax options are available to help cover parking and transit expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A free and confidential resource providing support for personal and work-related challenges.
• Employee Referral Program: Employees can earn up to $1,500 for referring successful candidates.
• Tuition & Loan Assistance: Lawrence Hall is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program .

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the necessary skills and abilities. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not have experience in all areas of essential functions. We look forward to your application.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt.

Job descriptions are not intended, and should not be construed to be all-inclusive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V