TPSN Program Coordinator

Position Title: TPSN Program Coordinator for Central and Southern Region of Illinois

Department: Teen Parenting Service Network (TPSN)

Reports to: TPSN Statewide Program Director

Position Summary:

TPSN Program Coordinator acts as a liaison to agencies servicing pregnant/parenting youth in the Central and Southern Region of Illinois. This position requires a strong emphasis on relationship building and networking with DCFS, case management agencies, specialty providers, and community resources. It is also the primary Network connection to external committees and work groups. Through this position, many recommendations and linkages are made that improve the quality of work and service delivery to our youth and their children. This position recommends and monitors services, coordinates, and participates in complex clinical staffings; and ensures proper implementation of appropriate interventions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Consultation

• Initiate, build and maintain relationships with DCFS monitors.
• Attend Statewide Provider meetings e.g. foster care, TLP, and ILO.
• Educate agencies on DCFS Policies and TPSN Procedures that relate to assessment, service provision, documentation, reporting, investigations, etc for pregnant and parenting youth.
• Educate agencies on youth rights according to the Hill-Erickson Consent Decree.
• Facilitate monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly meetings with program staff and DCFS monitors to answer questions, provide guidance and attend case consultations.
• Facilitate communication between case work agencies and Specialty Providers.
• Assess program needs as it relates to resources and training in working with TPSN youth and develop a plan to assist and support which may include training.
• Provide TPSN in-service trainings for agencies as it relates to working with pregnant and parenting youth as needed e.g. staff turnover, deficits in service delivery.
• Build relationships with external agencies (resources) and provide referrals for services when applicable.

Special Projects and Committees

• Participate in the Training Committee for the development, review, and revision of training curriculums.
• Assist with training, TPSN Specialty, Risk Reduction and Appendix J Trainings.
• Assist with the coordination of TPSN Specialty and Risk Reduction Training.
• Attend weekly WRAP Plan Committee meetings for the review of WRAP Plan requests.
• Represent TPSN on external committees as needed.

• Makes recommendations based on clinically and developmentally appropriate, best practice and ethical considerations.
• Advocate for youth needs and rights when attending staffings.
• Provides clinical expertise to the agency and staff when the youth's placement is unstable or in crisis.

Case Conceptualization

• Makes plans and decisions based on clinically and developmentally appropriate, best practice, and ethical considerations.
• Considers any cultural factors that may be impacting the youth or the appropriateness of services, and proficiently addresses them to provide needed services.
• Consults with supervisor, other clinical team staff and agency consultants.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintains accurate, complete, and timely reports and service documentation as required by ucan and TPSN policy and procedures.
• Enter updates and maintains accurate data in the Profile databases, including the documenting all contacts in Profile within one week of occurrence.
• Reports all critical incidents, incidents of abuse or neglect, and significant incidents to supervisor, management, or DCFS as required by UCAN, TPSN or by mandated reporting law and document events within 24 hours of every intervention.

Education /Job Experience/Certification:

• Master's degree in social work or a related Human Service field.
• At least 5 years of experience working with pregnant and parenting youth or in the Child Welfare System.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• LCSW or LCPC preferred.

Special Knowledge and Qualifications:

• Is open and respectful of cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and is willing and competent to work with a diverse client population.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and a part of a high functioning team.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Proven ability to work effectively with young parents and their children.
• Experience in working with clients with disabilities and community-based resources.
• Car and valid Illinois driver's license required. Must be willing to travel within assigned region.

Position Status: Exempt