Intake Specialist - Lawrence Hall : Job Details

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 The Intake Specialist is responsible for receiving, assessing, and processing referrals for youth and families entering the foster care system, including both traditional and specialized foster care placements. This role involves conducting initial home visits, gathering necessary information, and establishing a positive rapport with youth and their families. The Intake Specialist ensures that all intake procedures are followed, documents are completed, and services are properly initiated to support the well-being of children in foster care. Establishes rapport with members of the foster care team to ensure appropriate transitions. Must be able to effectively use verbal intervention skills with youth and adults. Flexible schedule required as this position may require work outside of normal business hours occasionally to meet the schedules of working foster parents. Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon four core values: Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. These values are deeply embedded within our organization's philosophy of trauma-informed care and directly influence every position. The position is located at 400 W. 76th Street, Chicago Illinois, 60628. Hybrid role after a minimum of 90 days 100% in office for onboarding and training requirements. Flexible schedule to be able to prioritize and meet with your around the school schedule and foster parents around their work schedule ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Intake and Case Processing:

• Respond to calls from the DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) case assignment unit regarding new youth referrals.
• Assist in the transfer of case assignments, ensuring smooth transitions for both the youth and foster family.
• Complete and review all necessary case assignment documentation accurately and on time.
• Ensures agency in receipt of all current and required documentation for transfers.
• Adapt work schedules as needed to meet agency needs and perform other duties as assigned.

Foster Care Visit Coordination:

• Contact the assigned foster parent to schedule a initial visit with the youth and family.
• Prepare and provide a welcome packet to the youth and foster family during the intake visit.

Documentation and Case Management:

• Complete all intake-related paperwork, including the service plan, visitation plan, and visit notes.Ensure all signed intake documents are collected, reviewed, and stored properly.
• Take detailed notes during the initial visit to relay important information to the case management, licensing, and supervisory teams.
• Update shared documents and databases, such as SACWIS (Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System), with accurate and timely information.

Photo and Documentation Management:

• Ensure that updated photos of youth are uploaded to SACWIS for all intakes and transfers.
• Ensure that the agency has received all relevant legal documents, including Temporary Custody Orders and other supporting intake documents.

Placement Support:

• Assist in family finding efforts to identify potential family members or resources for the youth, as needed.
• Provide support in placing the youth in a new home or transition, ensuring the process is seamless and well-coordinated.

Fund Requests and Coordination:

• Complete and process any necessary fund requests related to the youth's intake or placement needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related human service field
• Active Child Welfare License required
• Active listener and high level of compassion to engage with families
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks effectively
• Attention to detail and tech savvy in operated multiple data bases
• Experience working in at risk communities to engage with children and families
• 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
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, positive youth development/strengths-based approach preferred
• A clean driving record, valid Illinois driver's license, personal vehicle or access to a vehicle, and proof of auto insurance.
• Personal vehicle or access to vehicle and proof of insurance
• Valid Illinois/Indiana/Wisconsin Driver's license
• No history of child abuse or neglect & ability to pass background and drug screen.

COMPENSATION: Compensation is determined by a set base salary for each position, with additional compensation considered based on relevant education and experience. For this position, a candidate with a bachelor's degree starts at $53,800. A master's degree candidate starts at $55,800. Offer increases dependent on additional education and years of experience ranging from $53,800-$60,000. 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 ExemptEqual Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V All offers of employment at Lawrence Hall are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check in accordance with DCFS policy, including:

• Criminal history check via fingerprints of persons age 18 and over that are submitted to the Illinois State Police (ISP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for comparison to their criminal history records or the National Crime Information Database (NCID) when applicable for prospective foster and adoptive parents
• Check of the Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System/Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (CANTS/SACWIS) and other state child protection systems, and the National Registry to determine whether an individual is currently alleged or has been indicated as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect
• Check of the Illinois and National Sex Offender Registries