Case Specialist - LifeSet

Position: Case Specialist - LifeSet

Program: Transitional Living Program (TLP House)

Reports to: Program Manager/Supervisor

Shift: Full-Time

Rincon Family Services (RFS) is a not-for-profit community organization, established in 1972 to combat the epidemic use of heroin and violence that were dismantling communities throughout Chicago. RFS is dedicated to rendering compassionate and effective programs that promote the quality of life by serving as a catalyst to advocate, educate, and empower individuals and their families.

POSITION SUMMARY: The essential function of the LifeSet Case Specialist is to become immersed in an evidence-informed program model to serve Participants between the ages of 17-21. The Specialist is responsible for providing services to address the needs of young people who are transitioning out of care and need highly individualized skill development and support to transition successfully into adulthood, specifically obtaining and maintaining safe and suitable housing, continuing their education, learning independent living skills, obtaining, and maintaining employment, building a support system, and remaining free from legal involvement. In this role, you will be supporting the Participant in the goals they want to achieve. This builds both engagement with the young people and gives Specialists a sense of achievement as those they are helping attain their personal goals.

RESPONSIBILITY & ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The Specialist provides individual services to 6-8 young adults in the home and/or community living setting to assist the Participant with the transition to adulthood, meeting a minimum of one time per week face-to-face with the Participant and providing additional support via phone, text or in person as needed. When indicated, a Specialist may see the Participants daily to ensure safety and stability. The small caseload allows the Specialist to be more intensive and intentional in the work with the Participant.

The Specialist is directly responsible for all interventions associated with the Participant and any additional resources or support. This includes case management and collaboration with external key stakeholders and referral sources, such as probation, child welfare workers, therapists, etc.

The Specialist conducts an ongoing assessment of the Participant’s needs strength-focused, solution-based perspective and develops service plans m, monthly and documents all service contacts with the young adult within the timelines required by RFS, DCFS, and the Lifeset model.

The Specialist is expected to attend all meetings related to the Participant to gather information specific to intervention development and advocate in the best interest of the Participant’s permanency and long-term stability. The Specialist will be included in an on-call rotation and is expected to respond in person at any time when it is determined to be necessary by the Supervisor, Program Director, and Program Administration. The non-traditional schedule provides flexibility.

The Specialist will receive weekly individual development and will participate in weekly clinical supervision and consultation. The consultation will be led by a licensed professional who is an expert in the LifeSet model. In preparation for the weekly supervision and consultation, the Specialist will have access to an online portal that contains evidence-based and best practices to inform case conceptualization, service planning, and implementation. The tools and support provided allow specialists to pivot easily in the field and give them the resources to directly impact young people without having to refer out for the most necessary interventions. The support will encourage the Specialist to grow professional and clinical skills.

The Specialist is expected to attend and actively participate in training and individual and team supervision and development and to follow up and/or implement feedback and recommendations received from the Supervisor, Program Director, and Licensed Program Expert.

The Specialist is expected to adhere to all ethical and legal guidelines, including confidentiality and mandated reporting. Specialists are a part of a national network across multiple public and private organizations all striving to enhance the standard of care for older youth.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or related human services REQUIRED

Illinois Child Welfare License REQUIRED

Must be CERAP Certified, or be able to pass the certification process (DCFS will provide the training)

Must have a clean driving record, a reliable vehicle, and carry auto insurance at a level required by the company.

Must pass background checks and pre-employment drug screen

Must be creative and flexible in approach to serving high-need youth