COOK/NORTHERN FOSTER PARENT SUPPORT MONITOR

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Cook/Northern Foster Parent Support Monitor.  Subject to management approval, this position will plan, conceptualize, monitor, and coordinate the Department’s foster parent support program in assigned regions.  The position will monitor program services provided to foster parents by coordinating and reviewing the activities of contractual Foster Parent Support Specialists.  This position will collaborate with Lead Foster Parent Support Specialists and Foster Parent Support Specialists (FPSS) throughout assigned regions to ensure the achievement of successful outcomes that are required of the FPSS program.  The position will also serve as liaison to field staff at all levels to enable managers to obtain and provide case-specific supervision and assist with problem resolution at a local level. 

This position provides a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about children and interested in playing a role in ensuring the success and effectiveness of the foster parent program.  DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program.  The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills and strong communication skills.  We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois.

Job Responsibilities

• Serves as Cook/Northern Foster Parent Support Monitor

• Serves as liaison to field staff at all levels to enable managers to obtain and provide case-specific supervision and assist with problem resolution at a local level, including but not limited to ensuring inclusion of FPSS staff at placement meetings, licensing meetings, and other appropriate meetings to provide information sharing; making FPSS aware of homes in need of attention by the FPSS program; maintaining an awareness of the total number of homes served by the FPSS program; resolving issues at all levels within the program and with the Division of Child Protection, Permanency, Placement, and purchase of service agencies; and working closely with the FPSS, Lead FPSS, Regional administration, and the Department’s leadership team to assist field staff in tasks such as identifying homes that may serve as possible placements for children in need of substitute care

• Conducts contract compliance and program monitoring reviews of assigned FPSS and Lead FPSS to ensure compliance with contract terms and to address program plan performance outcomes

• Attends, conducts, and/or participates in various meetings, trainings, and work groups as assigned

• Actively oversees the expansion of in-person foster parent support groups

• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, supplemented by a related master’s degree

• Requires two years of progressively responsible professional experience in community organization, social service work, or in program planning and development

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in a public or private organization applying the advanced technical ability to analyze and evaluate programs and operations

• 2 years of experience in a public or private organization applying thorough knowledge of the program objectives of agencies developing social policy

• 2 years of experience in a public or private organization exercising extensive initiative and independent judgment in developing and formulating policies, standards, and procedures for the social delivery system

• 2 years of experience in a public or private organization applying thorough knowledge of the structure, organization, and methods of social welfare institutions

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a valid driver’s license, daily access to an automobile, and proof of vehicle insurance
• Requires ability to pass a background check