At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and keep children safe through collaborative social services.
- Company: Join Brightpoint, a mission-driven leader in human services for 140 years.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous PTO, health insurance, and student loan forgiveness.
- Other info: Hybrid work environment with leadership development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 44000 £ per year.
Brightpoint invites you to join our team of mission-driven staff who share a common vision: an equitable world where all children and families thrive in strong communities. As a leader in the human services sector for 140 years, we aim to advance the well-being of children by investing in families and strengthening communities through data-informed, collaborative, and preventative solutions.
The Prevention Specialist is a critical member of the region's child welfare team, working collaboratively within and across programs to ensure a relentless focus on keeping children safe and supporting families. The role focuses on preventing youth from entering the care of the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) or reducing the risk of further DCFS involvement.
Candidate Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Social Work or another human service field required.
- Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP) or ability to obtain within ninety (90) days of employment required.
- Ability to communicate in both English and Spanish preferred.
- Ability to attend in-person meetings and events as needed required.
- Valid driver's license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle required.
- Maintain a caseload involving program participants and provide a range of social services, utilizing social work principles and theory in diagnosis and treatment.
- Arrange and/or provide services to meet the immediate needs of program participants.
- Assess program participant’s situation and functioning.
- Formulate goals with program participants and follow through with participant engagement.
- Evaluate progress towards goals and modify when necessary to meet the needs of program participants.
- Assume responsibility for comprehensive case management which includes needs assessment, service planning, case coordination, service brokerage, linkages with community resources, monitoring progress toward program participant goals and objectives, and making recommendations for on-going services when necessary.
- Coordinate services and attend meetings with other agencies, systems, and community providers to meet the needs of program participants.
- Prepare court reports, attend scheduled court dates, and testify in court upon request.
- Schedule appointments to program participants’ homes or a setting most agreeable to the participants.
- Provide and/or arrange transportation for program participants.
- Report any suspected abuse or neglect to the Department of Children and Family Services per the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.
- Work to build supportive community relationships with service providers, housing resources and other community-based assistance programs.
Benefits: Medical/dental/vision insurance, 3+ weeks paid time off in the first year including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day (PTO increases with tenure); 11 paid holidays, supplemental insurance options, 401(k) with match.
Location: Hybrid (remote/in office), must be within reasonable driving distance to Belleville, IL.
Schedule: Full-time, hourly; general business hours with some flexibility required for on-call responsibility and special projects. We don’t just hire talent—you grow it: Emerging Leaders will have access to leadership development opportunities and one-on-one mentorship.
Student Loan Forgiveness: Brightpoint is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
Prevention Specialist employer: Children’s Home & Aid
Children's Home & Aid is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the child welfare sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including medical insurance and paid time off, alongside opportunities for leadership development in a supportive work culture. Located in the heart of England, our team thrives on collaboration and commitment to family support, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about helping others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prevention Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the child welfare sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Prevention Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of child welfare policies and practices. We recommend practising common interview questions related to case management and community resources. Show them you’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your bilingual skills if you speak Spanish! It’s a big plus for this role and can set you apart from other candidates. Make sure to mention it in conversations and during interviews—let’s show them how valuable you are!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! We want to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any new opportunities that pop up in the future.
We think you need these skills to ace Prevention Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for helping children and families shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Brightpoint, so share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Prevention Specialist role. Highlight relevant experience in social work or human services, and don’t forget to mention any specific skills like case management or community engagement that match what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our team and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Children’s Home & Aid
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Prevention Specialist inside and out. Familiarise yourself with child welfare principles, the Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP), and how to effectively support families. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for the mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work or education that demonstrate your skills in case management, community coordination, and working with diverse populations. Highlight any experience you have in social work or human services, especially related to child welfare, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since the role may involve communicating with both English and Spanish speakers, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare some key phrases in Spanish to impress the interviewers and show your commitment to serving all families.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, community partnerships, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.
