Specialized Foster Care Program Assistant

Welcome to your opportunity to change the world! If you have a servant's heart and want to be part of something truly special, then Caritas Family Solutions needs you. We have been serving the people of Illinois since 1947 and have over 500 committed and mission-driven team members. At Caritas, we do not hire people for jobs, we find new team members for rewarding and life-changing careers that make the world better.

If you are kind, patient, and ready to make a difference, we would love to meet you!

Full-time employees are offered the competitive benefits outlined below:

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Training and Professional Development
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 5% Employer Contribution
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Opportunities for Growth and Advancement

We know great candidates come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. If you are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every qualification listed.

Title: Specialized Foster Care Program Assistant

Department: Foster Care and Family Services

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Reports To: Specialized Foster Care Supervisor

Starting Compensation Pay: $17.25/hr

PURPOSE: The Specialized Foster Care Program Assistant serves as a paraprofessional support staff member for Foster Care and Family Services programs. This position assists Case Managers and Supervisors in delivering services to children, youth, parents, foster families, and biological families through transportation, supervised visitation, parenting support, life skills development, resource coordination, documentation, and administrative assistance. The position promotes safety, permanency, well-being, and family stabilization through a trauma-informed approach.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Transport clients to and from parent-child visits, sibling visits, counseling appointments, clinics, hospitals, schools, court appearances, and other case-related activities.
• Supervise visits and interactions between children, families, and caregivers while ensuring safety and appropriate conduct.
• Document observations, visitation activities, and client interactions accurately and objectively within required timelines.
• Collaborate regularly with Specialized Foster Care Case Managers and Supervisors regarding client progress and needs.
• Adhere to all agency policies, state regulations, driving requirements, and safety standards.
• Complete required agency and Department paperwork in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Travel frequently as required to support client and program needs.
• Assist clients with developing independent living and daily living skills, including budgeting, household cleaning, grocery shopping, appointment scheduling, and appointment attendance.
• Support children, youth, and families through a trauma-informed lens.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Please note that the Responsibilities and Qualifications provide a general overview of the primary duties for this role and the basic qualifications. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.  

QUALIFICATION REQUIRMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED/PREFERRED

Degree/Field Required: High School Diploma or GED

Degree/Field Preferred: N/A

Additional Fields of Knowledge Important for the Role: 

• Knowledge of administrative and office procedures
• Client transportation and community-based service support
• Supervised visitation monitoring
• Case note documentation and recordkeeping

Experience Required: 0 to 6 months of experience in human services, social services, childcare, education, behavioral health, or a related field preferred but not required.

Experience Preferred: Experience working with children, youth, families, or vulnerable populations.

Licenses/Certifications Required: N/A

Licenses/Certifications Preferred: CPR and First Aid Certification

SKILLS REQUIRED:

Manager-Specific: N/A

Basic: The successful candidate will demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, active listening, reading comprehension, critical thinking, learning agility, attention to detail, monitoring skills, and the ability to understand and apply agency policies, procedures, and training.

Social: The ability to build rapport with clients and families, coordinate services, work collaboratively with team members, demonstrate social awareness, provide exceptional customer service, and effectively navigate challenging interpersonal situations is essential to success in this role.

Problem Solving/Decision-Making: This position requires the ability to assess situations, identify concerns, make sound decisions under time-sensitive conditions, balance competing priorities, meet deadlines, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions while maintaining professionalism and client safety.

Resource Management: Ability to organize time effectively, manage multiple assignments, coordinate appointments and transportation needs, maintain records, and prioritize responsibilities.

Technical: Ability to complete documentation accurately, maintain confidential records, navigate case management systems, and comply with agency reporting requirements.

Proficient Computer Skills In: Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Database Management Software

Expert Computer Skills In: Outlook, Word, and Database Management Software

Trauma-Informed: Must demonstrate a commitment to trauma-informed care practices and ongoing professional growth in trauma-informed interventions. Understands the prevalence and impact of trauma on children, families, staff, and communities. Recognizes trauma responses, applies trauma-informed principles in daily interactions, and actively works to create safe, welcoming, supportive environments that promote healing and avoid re-traumatization.

VEHICLE RELATED REQUIREMENTS: 

Access to reliable transportation: Required.

Access to a reliable automobile: Required. 

Proof of continued auto insurance: Required.

Valid driver’s license: Required.

Additional license requirements: Current DMV Record.

DRUG-FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Caritas Family Solutions is dedicated to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive environment for our clients and employees. As part of this, a strict drug-free workplace policy is maintained.