Caseworker I/Social Services Worker-TAL Team, DCFS Southwest Region

DCFS Caseworkers and Social Service Workers strive to keep children with their own families whenever safely possible by assessing their and their families' needs and connecting them to available resources. Caseworkers work to establish permanency for them through alternative options when available. To accomplish this, caseworkers work closely with subject matter experts, are provided with regular professional supervision, and complete DCFS Practice Model Training while performing specialized roles such as Transitional to Adult Living (TAL) caseworkers, who work primarily with teenagers preparing to age out of foster care by identifying connections for the youth, building independent skills, and helping them navigate life after foster care.

These specialized responsabilities complement the core operational duties of the role which include: Investigating reports of abuse, exploitation, and/or neglect; assessing safety, risk, strengths, and barriers and determining appropriate actions governing a family's situation. Working with families to create plans for children’s safety and for ongoing services.

Coordinating and referring services to children and families offered by community resources, placement providers, collateral agencies, the courts, and community partners. Supervising visits between parents and children to ensure safety. Conducting in-home visits to assess safety and track progress. Facilitating Child and Family Team Meetings with the family, their formal and informal supports.

Testifying in court hearings regarding actions, findings, procedures, and protocols. Preparing detailed case documentation that includes: intake records, investigation summaries, assessments of safety, risk and family functioning; service plans, court reports, case history and activity logs. May include performing 24-hour-on-call services as needed under supervisor's direction.

24-hour on-call service assignments may be based on, and subject to, geographic employment location and/or agency demand. Other duties as assigned.