Adoption Counselor

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 Adoption Preservation Support Counselor, Monday through Friday. Responsible for providing a full range of therapeutic services to adopted children and adoptive parents in accordance with the comprehensive, integrated assessment, permanency plan, and assessed therapeutic needs of the child and family. Services provided within state mandates, COA standards, LSSI policies and program plans.

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 $30.97-$36.98/Hourly.
• $4,000 Sign-on Bonus
• 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

Provide comprehensive assessment of client’s therapeutic needs.

Develop individualized treatment plan being certain to engage children, families, and the Child Welfare Specialist staff in the process.

The process must also take into consideration the reasons the child/family are/were involved in the child welfare system, past and current safety and risk concerns, and the permanency/treatment plan for the child.

Provide direct counseling and therapeutic services to individuals, families, and groups as indicated by the assessment and treatment plan. Location of service delivery, whether home, office, or community, is based on client needs, relevant program plans, and requirements.

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

Participate in the supervisory process for guidance, direction, support, and approval of decision-making, assessment, treatment planning and intervention. Provide DSM 5/ICD-1O diagnosis for assigned clients.

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 counseling or social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program or a master’s degree in a field related to social work or counseling. Master's degree in Counseling or Social Work required. Experience is preferred but not required. New graduates with a Master of Social Work (MSW) are encouraged to apply.

Background check clearance, both criminal and CANTS required.

Licensed as a LCSW, LCPC, LMFT, or LSW required. If staff member is not licensed at the time of employment, he/she will be supervised by a licensed employee with the goal of obtaining the appropriate licensure within a two-year period from date of hire.

• Three (3) or more years post graduate experience working as a therapist preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a clear, comprehensible manner, bother verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of DSM 5IICD-1O and their applications, under the supervision of a licensed clinician.
• Demonstrated ability to relate to others and influence people.
• 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.