Family Finding and Resource/Recruitment Specialist

Position Summary

The Family Finding and Resource/Recruitment Specialist plays a critical role in supporting youth in foster care by identifying, engaging, and expanding family and community connections. This position focuses on diligent search efforts, collaboration with care teams, and the use of trauma-informed and equity-centered practices to promote stability and permanency for youth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or a related field required
• Experience in investigation, person location, or related research strongly preferred
• Strong communication, organizational, and research skills
• Experience working with children with special needs is a plus
• Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving abilities
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License and ability to pass a background check required

Key Responsibilities

I. Family Finding & Case Support

• Conduct comprehensive research, investigation, and outreach to locate absentee parents, guardians, and extended family members
• Identify and engage potential relatives and fictive kin to support permanency planning
• Utilize creative and non-traditional search strategies, including databases, social media, and public records
• Assist caseworkers in expanding resources to better serve children and families in foster care
• Complete legal screening packets and submit required documentation to DCFS
• Prepare and complete integrated assessments and initial investigation reports for adoption and guardianship home studies
• Obtain vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and Social Security cards

II. Engagement & Collaboration

• Build and maintain meaningful connections with youth (as age-appropriate), birth families, foster parents, and care team members
• Facilitate communication and collaboration to support placement stability and permanency outcomes
• Participate in critical conversations with team members while demonstrating awareness of implicit bias and systemic impacts

III. Data & Documentation

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in SACWIS and other systems
• Track and analyze data to support diligent search activities
• Complete required reports, correspondence, and case records

IV. Direct Service

• Provide transportation for clients as directed
• Supervise family visits as assigned
• Coordinate and communicate with parents, foster parents, and other involved parties regarding appointments and visits
• Participate in case staffing with foster care workers and supervisors

V. Field Work

• Travel to attend meetings, conferences, and conduct home assessments as needed

Additional Responsibilities

• Actively participate in the agency’s Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives
• Maintain daily communication through email and voicemail with timely follow-up
• Keep an up-to-date Outlook calendar shared with supervisor
• Submit service tickets and visitation records weekly
• Attend required meetings, trainings, and agency events
• Adhere to all agency policies and procedures

Core Competencies

• Leadership
• Organization and time management
• Effective communication
• Research and investigative skills
• Creative problem-solving

Our Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley is committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, fairness, and justice. We believe our team’s strength and our community’s well-being are enhanced by embracing the unique qualities of every individual. We value diversity across race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, religion, national origin, gender identity, and other identities, and we are proud to serve our community with respect and integrity.