SGA YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES NFP·Cicero, Illinois
Provide therapeutic screening, assessment, and intervention for children ages 0-5 and their families exposed to violence. Manage case documentation, provide supportive services, and support community-based trainings and coalition development.
Description SGA provides a wide range of social services in some of Chicago's most challenged and consistently underserved communities and creates long-term and community-wide change.
Job Overview Safe From the Start is a comprehensive, evidence-based program providing specialized support and therapy for children ages 0-5 who have been exposed to violence. Safe From the Start addresses the immediate and long-term effects of trauma on young children while supporting families and communities in creating safe, nurturing environments.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Provide therapeutic screening, assessment and intervention for children ages 0-5, and their families, who have been exposed to violence or experienced trauma.
Complete intake and comprehensive mental health assessments (IM+CANS) to identify client strengths, needs and to inform service planning.
Provide individual, family, and/or group counseling modalities.
Provide supportive services including case management, crisis intervention, safety planning, psychoeducation, and information/referral services and linkage support.
Document services and data collection according to agency and funder requirements, prepare monthly and quarterly reports.
Support program development, quality improvement, public awareness, education programming, and community-based trainings.
Support SFS Coalition development and community meetings.
Participate in program staff or team meetings, participate in clinical supervision.
KEY COMPETENCIES Direct Services: Assessment, service plan development, individual/group therapy and case management, psychoeducation.
Public Awareness: Community outreach and education.
Coalition-Building: Partnerships with community-based agencies and other local and state organizations serving children exposed to violence and their families Other duties as assigned
Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling or related field; LCSW/LCPC preferred Obtaining 40-hour Domestic Violence Certification and completing Human Trafficking training will be a requirement for this position.
Clinical social work or counseling experience with young children whose families have experienced violence. Previous training in the Child Parent Psychotherapy model or infant/early childhood mental health highly preferred.
Other: Bilingual English/Spanish highly preferred
Required assessment tools to understand clients' experiences and behaviors, identify appropriate interventions, support caregiver education, and strengthen relationships between staff and families: Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) Ages & Stages: Social-Emotional Questionnaire (ASQ:SE) Parenting Stress Index–Short Form (PSI-SF)
Ability to work varying hours Monday - Friday, Schedule may include some evenings and weekends. Must have a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance required for work related travel
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Must be able to remain stationary 50% of the time.
Must be able to frequently move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
Must be able to transport oneself to and from home visits.
Occasionally ascends/descends stairs.
Constantly moves to assist during program activities.
At times it may be required to lift up to 25 lbs. for various needs.
Frequently moves in outdoor weather conditions.
Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; employer-paid life insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; a 403(b) retirement savings plan; paid vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays; an Employee Assistance Program; Benefits are provided in accordance with plan documents and organizational policies, and eligibility may vary based on employment status and scheduled hours.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time; this description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in Illinois often draw steady interest because employers look for licensed or graduate-prepared candidates who can work in clinical, community, or care-coordination settings. This role is competitive because the required background is specific—either a master’s degree in a human services field or an active Illinois RN license, with behavioral health experience preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your licensure, degree, and setting experience before applying.