LifeSet Team Lead Specialist

 POSITION SUMMARY 

The LifeSet Team Lead Specialist will assist the supervisor in supporting LifeSet Specialists to help youth served by their team achieve independent living related goals and legal or relational permanency.

The Lead Specialist will coach team Specialists in the CFTM process and assist the supervisor in facilitating all team training. The Lead Specialist will assist the supervisor and team Specialists in their professional development. The Lead will also coordinate with the supervisor to ensure new workers acclimate to the team and the Specialist role.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Under the direction of the supervisor, train and support new Specialists in Lifeset processes, reinforcing CARE principles and practice to help Specialists build effective relationships with youth and their families.
• Assist supervisor and Specialists in the development of individualized development plans that help Specialists learn how to prioritize and organize their work to meet client needs and prepare for and address key case processes e.g., weekly staffings, Red Flag meetings, court hearings, administrative case reviews, legal screens, interstate compact requests, and residential treatment referrals in a professional and timely manner.
• Coordinate with the supervisor in setting up shadowing schedule for the new team member, to include shadowing the Lead Specialist and other senior team members on case management activities and facilitate welcoming and team building relations with new members.
• Participate in supervisory sessions that include a review of strengths and challenges presented by Specialists with whom the Team Lead Specialist is working. Assists supervisor in developing strategies to help Specialists develop professionally and as needed, to improve performance. Reinforce with Specialists the concepts and adoption of intervention activities as identified by the LifeSet Expert Consultant and the supervisor.
• Carry a reduced caseload and assume responsibility for the delivery of clinical and case management services to assigned youth, their families, caregivers and other individuals significant to the youth.
• Provide “back up” leadership in the absence of the supervisor due to illness, vacation, etc. or as otherwise assigned by the supervisor.
• Provide “back up” case management activities for Specialists absent from work due to illness, vacation, etc. or as otherwise assigned by the supervisor.
• Maintain familiarity with LifeSet processes, Hoyleton policy and procedures and DCFS policy and procedures relevant to child welfare services and ensure compliance.
• Prepare for and participate in Child and Family Team meetings, Administrative Case Reviews, clinical staffings, IEP and other educational reviews and supervisory reviews; provide up to date information concerning case progress. Prepare for and participate in court hearings on assigned cases.
• Complete and maintain case records in accordance with DCFS, Hoyleton and Youth Villages requirements.
• Arrange for or provide transportation for youth in care as needed.
• Attend training opportunities as required by DCFS, Hoyleton and the LifeSet program or recommended by the supervisor.
• Provide after hour emergency coverage as assigned.

 QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

• The ability to understand the issues of separation and loss for the child in care and a commitment to a child's right to belong to a family;
• The specialized knowledge, skills, and experience required to help youth achieve independent living skills and legal or relational permanency.
• The ability to provide service in an manner that reflects appreciation for the cultural background, heritage, and identity of each child.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Possess a driver's license in good standing and provide proof of insurance.
• Must meet DCFS/CANTS Clearance Requirements.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and possess and maintain proof of automobile insurance.

 EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE 

• A Master's Degree from an accredited program in social work education, or in another human services field preferred, or
• A Bachelor's Degree in social work or a related human service field with supervision by a Master's Degree in social work or a related human service field with at least two years’ experience in the provision of foster care or other out-of-home care services is required.
• Child Welfare Licensure by DCFS or eligible for licensing.

CARE & TCI

Hoyleton has adopted the CARE (Children and Residential Experience), developed by Cornell University, to guide our culture and practice. CARE is grounded in six core principles: Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Relationship Based, Ecologically Oriented, Competence Centered, and Trauma Informed. 

Completion of CARE and TCI training is an internal requirement for all staff and must be completed upon hire. Ongoing application of these principles is expected and essential to successful job performance. 

TCI (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention). Employees must:

• Pass the written test annually
• Pass the physical test every six months (if applicable to their role)

Consistent participation and application of both CARE and TCI principles drive company culture and are essential to job performance.

BENEFITS

• Medical insurance with company funded Health Savings Account (HSA) 
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick, and personal days
• 10 company holidays and 1 floating holiday
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement
• 6 weeks paid parental leave
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer match 
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Optional supplemental benefits including: voluntary life, short-term disability, long-term disability, accident, and critical illness coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to employees and their household members for additional support
• Tuition reimbursement to encourage continued learning and growth
• BenefitHub Perks Program offering valuable employee discounts