Job Description:
At One Family Illinois, we uphold compassion, inclusion, integrity, and adaptability as the core values guiding our work with each other, children, families, and the community. Why One Family Illinois? At One Family Illinois (Formerly SOS Children's Villages Illinois) we are committed to keeping brothers and sisters in foster care together by providing safe, stable, and loving homes. We do this by offering an innovative approach to traditional foster care. Our model of care provides a private, single-family home, access to a community center, and support from professionally trained Foster Parents and staff. With this, the children we serve benefit from the stability of remaining with their siblings as well as the support of neighboring One Family Illinois Foster Parents and the entire community. Work for an impactful organization with a purpose Corporate culture that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion Hybrid/flexible work options to help balance work and lifePTO (paid time off in the form of personal days, sick time, vacation days, and paid company holidaysBonus Plan for Child Welfare SpecialistsEmployee Referral BonusesEmployee Well-Being Benefits· Competitive Healthcare plans through BCBS for you and your dependents (eligible the first of the following month after 30 oFT employment) Vision/Dental/Life Insurance offerings Flexible PTOAccess to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)403b Retirement Savings Plan (nonprofit version of 401K). Able to contribute immediately upon full-time employment. Inaddition, the organization will contribute 4% to your savings plan after 12 months of full-time employment regardless if youare contributing. Part of the federal student loan forgiveness program Access to financial advisors and financial education tools Tuition reimbursement options Opportunities for further education as well as time to attend trainings/workshops/etc. for personal/professionaldevelopment
The Role:
The Full-Time Education & Enrichment Specialist is responsible for providingeducational support and enrichment activities for One Family Illinois youth in careacross the Safe Haven Program and Sibling Foster Care Program.
Responsibilities:
1. Works with the children in the Safe Haven Program and Sibling Foster Care Program to develop age-appropriate programming to supplement school andother engagement activities that the children take part in.2. Works with the Professional Foster Parents in the Safe Haven Program andSibling Foster Care Program, the Village Program Director, the Village Program Assistant, the Advancement Department, the Clinical Department, and membersof the Village Administrative Team regarding client and community needs andservice availability.3. Grows and maintains relationships with local schools and community partners.4. Monitors progress reports and report card grades and assists in pairing youthwith educational assistance, such as tutoring, when needed.5. Communicates regularly with teachers, school counselors, school social workers, and principals to ensure our youth are being supported educationally, emotionally, and socially in the classroom.6. Develops community partnerships for purchasing, programming, and networkingpurposes.7. Identifies community recreational, cultural enrichment, psychological, health care, mentoring, and social service programming for children and families.8. Develops, enhances, implements, and oversees enrichment programs toenhance the lives of the children and families, including after-school programsand summer activities inclusive of life skills, self-awareness, self-esteem, artsand culture, and donor/corporate activities.9. Helps transition youth moving into and out of the Safe Haven Program andSibling Foster Care Program by providing introductions, opportunities toparticipate in activities, and access to important resources in their communities.10. Assists in coordinating Special Events at the Villages.11. Develops and manages budgets for the department for activities, programs, and events.12. Works with foster and biological parents to ensure that children who needadditional services are linked to appropriate resources.13. Maintains tracking systems and provides periodic reports. Tracks and evaluatesthe success of the programs implemented to regularly assess and providerecommendations for improvements.14. Additional duties as assigned.
Requirements
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Education, or related field, or two years of related experience providing services to youth who present behavioral, educational, and/or emotional challenges.
Foster Care experience, SACWIS user and CWEL preferred.
Ability to pass DCFS required criminal background check includingCANTS/LEADS and SORS. • Valid Illinois driver’s license with acceptable driving record; insured and reliabletransportation.
Willingness to travel within the community and to the various agency sites.
Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and staff.
Ability to relate to the Agency staff and to the public in a courteous andprofessional manner.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Strong verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential materials.
Reliable, punctual, and able to manage multiple tasks.
Ability to work in an alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free environment.
Commitment to One Family Illinois philosophy and mission.
