Family Therapist, Therapeutic Foster Care

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families, and we're still a strong, viable presence in the State of Illinois, continuing that commitment to making a difference.

LSSI is hiring a full-time Therapeutic Foster Care Family Therapist. The schedule varies, two days out of the week.

Responsible for providing a full range of therapeutic services to families in the TFC Program in accordance with the integrated assessment, permanency plan, and assessed therapeutic needs of the child and family.

Provide services withing the context of an evidence-based model of treatment foster care for children and their families using a trauma-informed approach.

Benefits and Perks

LSSI is growing! Come be a part of this rewarding environment, and enjoy the knowledge that you’re helping make a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as these career advantages:

• On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience, and licensure.
• Salary $33-$35/Hourly.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Comprehensive benefits package for Full-Time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
• The paid training you need to learn, grow, and succeed!

Essential Functions

Participate in developing a comprehensive, Medicaid compliant, assessment of family’s therapeutic needs.

Participate in an individualized, Medicaid compliant, treatment plan, in conjunction with the TFC Team, child, and family. This process must take into consideration the reasons for the child/family involved in the child welfare system, past and current safety and risk concerns, and the permanency/step down/service plan for the child/family.

Focus on teaching behavioral approaches and parenting skills to the child’s birth family and/or stepdown family, including providing instruction, practice, observation, and coaching during family visits.

• Provide service primarily in the community, typically step-down home, and/or birth home of child.
• Responsible for leading family finding efforts if the child does not have an identified aftercare family.

Complete and submit all required reports, documentation, and Medicaid billing accurately and timely as required by the agency and funding sources. Includes completion of written session notes and reports detailing client’s progress as required by applicable policies/procedures and/or when required by juvenile court.

Participate in the on-call, crisis intervention response for the TFC Team.

Demonstrate professional, positive behavior and carry out responsibilities with integrity, treating clients, families, other LSSI workforce members, and collaborative organizations and/or individual in a dignified, respectful, honest, and fair manner.

Position Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work or other related human services field required.
• Background check clearance, both criminal and CANTS required.

Licensed clinical social work (LCSW) credential or its equivalent required or is eligible for a clinical license and working toward completion. lM+CANS certified or available to participate in training and certification required.

Trained in Treatment Foster Care of Oregon (TFCO) model or available to participate in TFCO training after hired.

Certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), or available to participate in TF CBT training and certification.

State licensing/certification as required by the State of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Demonstrated ability to communicate in a clear, comprehensible manner, both verbally and in writing, including completing documentation in the organization’s Electron Health Record (EHR).

Demonstrated ability to motivate children and their families to participate in the highly detailed treatment mode and to provide services using a team approach.

• Knowledge and experience with DSM-V and its applications preferred.
• Excellent organization, presentation, and pc/computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) along with other related software.
• Valid driver’s license, in good standing for the state of residency required.
• Access to reliable transportation required.
• Valid IL statutory minimum liability insurance coverage, bodily injury, and property damage required.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, any other characteristic protected by law.