Clinical Support Specialist

Location: Harvey, Illinois

Compensation: $55,000 - $60,000 (Salary)

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Hybrid Work Structure

This position includes an intensive 90 day in-office training period. Following successful completion of training, eligibility for a hybrid schedule ( 3 days (WFH) and 2 days ( in office) will be considered based on performance and achievement of established goals. The organization reserves the right to require in-office work if performance expectations are not met.

Position Summary

The Clinical Support Specialist plays a key role in the Clinical Staffing Process, collaborating with the Clinical Coordinator and Clinical Team. This position engages youth, biological families, caregivers, and identified support members to ensure their active participation in the process while upholding safety and empowerment for all involved. The Clinical Support Specialist is also responsible for facilitating the development of action plans, tracking the matching/referral process, and ensuring the quality and effectiveness of decisions made during staffing meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate Clinical Staffing Process with the Clinical Coordinator, ensuring effective communication and engagement among all participants.
• Engage youth, families, caregivers, and other identified support members, promoting empowerment and active involvement in the staffing process.
• Create a safe space for all attendees, encouraging open communication and addressing concerns and issues related to youth, family, and caregivers.
• Provide Psychoeducation to assist youth, families, and caregivers in understanding relevant aspects of the staffing process.
• Ensure that all stakeholders feel heard and valued during the process, promoting mutual respect and collaboration.
• Co-lead discussions to determine service needs, making decisions that protect the child and are in the least restrictive manner possible.
• Support the matching process by ensuring communication between CMT, the Placement Team, and Providers regarding pre-placement interviews and referral tracking for youth in need of new placement or higher levels of care.
• Periodically summarize, clarify, and reframe points to assist the group in reaching consensus on decisions and ensuring that safety and action plans are developed.
• Serve as a knowledgeable participant in meetings, ensuring the highest quality decisions are made, and intervening when necessary to ensure compliance with agency policies and best practices.
• Monitor compliance with DCFS policies, laws, and best practices to ensure quality service and decision-making standards are met.
• Develop consensus decisions with all participants, respecting that DCFS staff has final authority in the best interest of the youth when consensus is not reached.
• Ensure accurate recording of decisions and action plans developed during meetings.
• Provide input into team meetings and quality assurance initiatives, collaborating with other divisions or disciplines to enhance the effectiveness of the Clinical Staffing Process.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Ability to manage group dynamics effectively, promoting communication and conflict resolution.
• Strong knowledge of laws, agency policies, and best practices related to child welfare and clinical staffing processes.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and make decisions with a focus on child safety and family empowerment.
• Knowledge of healthcare, Joint Commission-related safety standards, and compliance monitoring is a plus.

Education & Experience

• Required: Master’s Degree in a Human Services-related field.
• Preferred: At least two years of relevant experience.
• Bilingual ( Proficient in English and Spanish, written and verbal communication skills)
• Essential: Excellent computer proficiency, written, and verbal communication skills.

Additional Information

• This is a Hybrid position with some in-office presence required at the Park Forest office.
• This position requires the individual to reside in a commutable area to the Park Forest office.

Compensation & Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Disability & Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation, Sick Days, and Holidays
• Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on services like cell phones, restaurants, and more

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Aunt Martha’s is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.