YWCA Family Services Specialist the workplace Rockford, IL Job Details Full-time $19.31 an hour 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Qualifications Teamwork Interpersonal skills Computer literacy Driver's License Experience working with children Records management Bachelor's degree Attention to detail Relationship management Working with families Productivity software Full Job Description Job summary: The Family Services Specialist is a cross-program position within the YWCA Northwestern Illinois Family Services Department. Within the Family Advocacy Center (FAC), the position provides case management and parenting education to families involved with the child welfare system, as well as administrative and referral support. Within Healthy Families America (HFA), the position supports quality assurance, data management, and community outreach. The Family Services Specialist works collaboratively with families, YWCA staff, DCFS, community partners, and other professionals to strengthen family functioning, increase access to resources and services, support positive parenting and family relationships, and promote high-quality program delivery. This position is hourly, non-exempt. Minimum Job Requirements Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field, with relevant experience working with children and families, including experience in case management, family support, parenting education, or other human services. Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to establish and maintain effective, respectful, and confidential relationships with families, coworkers, community partners, and other professionals. Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities independently while working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation; basic to intermediate computer skills, including experience with databases, electronic records, Microsoft Office, or similar programs. Bilingual skills preferred. Current Illinois driver's license and valid vehicle insurance; ability to travel throughout the service area for home visits, community outreach, and other program activities. Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Summary of essential job functions:

Family Advocacy Center - Case Management & Parenting Education | 50% Provide intensive case management services to families referred through DCFS or the community, including families with open Placement or Intact Family cases and families who self-refer. Conduct assessments to identify family strengths, needs, goals, and priorities; develop individualized service plans with families and monitor progress toward identified goals. Provide parenting education and support using approved curricula and family-centered, strengths-based approaches to strengthen parenting skills, family relationships, problem-solving skills, and access to appropriate supports. Build trusting, collaborative relationships with families while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries; empower families to identify challenges, make informed decisions, and take an active role in achieving their goals. Provide advocacy, referrals, and connections to YWCA programs, community resources, and other appropriate supports; follow up as needed to support successful connections. Maintain appropriate communication with DCFS caseworkers and other professionals involved with the family; maintain accurate case records, service documentation, and required reports, and participate in supervision, case consultation, staff meetings, and training. Family Advocacy Center - Administrative, Referral & Outreach Support | 25% Receive, respond to, and process referrals in a timely and professional manner; serve as an initial point of contact for families, referral sources, and community partners. Gather, enter, and maintain accurate referral and participant information in designated databases, spreadsheets, tracking systems, and program records; monitor referral activity and communicate follow-up needs or concerns to the program supervisor. Complete referral follow-up and outreach and support scheduling, intake coordination, document preparation, and other activities related to the referral and enrollment process. Assist with outreach activities, community events, and networking opportunities to increase awareness of FAC services and strengthen relationships with referral sources and community partners. Healthy Families America - Quality Assurance, Data & Community Outreach | 25% Provide quality assurance support through accurate data entry, record review, tracking, and monitoring of participant and program information; communicate discrepancies, trends, and areas requiring follow-up to appropriate HFA staff. Assist with tracking program outcomes, performance measures, referrals, enrollment, service delivery, and other data used for program monitoring and continuous quality improvement; prepare routine reports and tracking documents as needed. Support HFA outreach and enrollment efforts by participating in resource fairs, presentations, networking opportunities, and other community activities; develop and maintain outreach materials and resources as needed. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, social service agencies, and other referral partners to strengthen community awareness, referrals, and engagement. Collaborate with HFA staff to identify outreach and quality improvement opportunities and provide administrative and program support as needed. Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. This Job Description should not be read as creating an express or implied contract, nor is it intended to alter the employment-at-will relationship. Employment with the YWCA is "at-will" and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause, at the option of either the YWCA or the employee.

Pay:

$19.31 per hour Expected hours: No more than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Vision insurance

Language:

Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

Illinois Driver's License (Required)

Work Location:

In person