The Permanency Achievement Specialist is responsible for providing support and assistance to the Foster Care Case Managers to help youth in care achieve timely long-term permanency. The position will assist Foster Care Case Managers preparing the youth's case for reunification, adoption and or guardianship and help mitigate any barriers to achieving permanency.

 Job Duties Include:

Provide consultation regarding permanency issues to identify and remove barriers to permanency, working to secure appropriate placements for children Monitor and complete permanencies with children waiting for reunification or adoption/subsidized guardianship Assist the case manager with the facilitates of community resources to prepare the home of parents Assist the case manager with post adoption, guardianship connection to the DCFS unit prior to finalization Compiles documents from the field needed to finalize the subsidy process 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 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 case manager with completion of ICPC documentation to IDCFS needed for out of state permanency options for children with relatives and licensed potential adoptive families, working with the receiving state to eliminate barriers Provide linkage between case managers, recruitment resource specialists, adoptions staff and community providers to expedite and finalize the permanency process Ensure that all necessary actions and reviews have taken place to facilitate positive permanency outcomes

Qualifications

 Education

 Bachelor's degree in social work, or another related human service field required

 Experience

 Experience working with children with special needs preferred Experience or training in Reunification, Adoption and Sub-Guardianship

Certification & Licenses

CWEL, 402, Child Care Act required

Other                          

Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record with OHU required levels of coverage for auto insurance Ability to pass background check Must be able to pass the State of Illinois written examination on Licensing Standards for Foster Family Homes (402), the Child Care Act

Required Skills

Ability to engage with families Proficient in the use of a computer to complete all required documentation

We Invest in You!

Competitive pay and benefits Tuition assistance up to $2500 per year Generous vacation and PTO plans Health, dental, vision, retirement plan with employer contribution, health savings account, Agency paid life and LTD, supplemental life insurance Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities Leadership opportunities on site-based Center Management Teams

A Different Kind Of Employer - One Hope United is strong and ready to grow. Are you ready to grow with us?

800 talented professionals strong, serving 10,000 children and families in Illinois, Missouri, and Florida Fiscally stable, $50 Million agency-- strong since 1895 Energetic leadership and a rich community of support

One Hope United does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. One Hope United is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.  One Hope United participates in e Verify.

In the spirit of caring for one another and our community, please note that upon accepting an offer of employment from One Hope United, you will be required to share proof of a Covid-19 vaccination. The requirement is subject to accommodation in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.