Dhs Program Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY

The Home Visitor provides direct services to pregnant women and families participating in the PWDC program through scheduled home visits. The role focuses on strengthening parenting skills, monitoring child development, promoting safe home environments, and connecting families to needed resources.

The Home Visitor provides individualized parenting coaching and education during home visits and conducts environmental safety assessments to ensure children are living in safe and supportive environments. This position works closely with program staff and community partners to ensure families receive coordinated support.

The Home Visitor collaborates with Family Case Managers (FCMs), Family Advocacy Centers (FACs), crisis nurseries, and other community providers when appropriate to ensure families receive the support and services needed to maintain safety and stability.

JOB DUTIES

In-Home Family Support

• Conduct scheduled in-home visits with pregnant women and families enrolled in the PWDC program
• Provide individualized support to families to strengthen parenting skills and promote healthy family functioning
• Build trusting relationships with participants to encourage engagement in services and program activities

Developmental Monitoring

• Observe and monitor infant and early childhood developmental milestones during home visits
• Identify potential developmental concerns and communicate observations with program staff
• Educate parents about developmental stages and age-appropriate expectations for children

Parenting Coaching

• Provide one-on-one parenting coaching to support positive parent-child interactions.
• Educate parents on effective parenting strategies, bonding techniques, and positive discipline practices.
• Support parents in establishing routines and caregiving practices that promote child safety and well-being.

Environmental Safety Assessments

• Conduct environmental safety assessments during home visits to identify potential hazards that could impact child safety
• Provide recommendations and guidance to families on maintaining a safe and healthy home environment
• Assist families in addressing safety concerns when identified

Care Coordination

• Coordinate services with Family Case Managers (FCMs), Family Advocacy Centers (FACs), crisis nurseries, and other community providers when appropriate
• Collaborate with clinicians, case managers, and peer recovery specialists to support family needs
• Assist families with connecting to healthcare, behavioral health services, childcare resources, and other community supports

Documentation and Program Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all home visits and services provided
• Ensure documentation meets organizational policies and DHS program requirements
• Participate in team meetings and case review discussions

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Psychology, Family Studies, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum one (1) to three (3) years of experience working with families, pregnant women, infants, or young children
• Experience providing home visiting services or community-based family support preferred
• Experience working with families impacted by behavioral health challenges or substance use disorders preferred
• Knowledge of child development and early childhood developmental milestones
• Knowledge of parenting strategies and family support practices
• Ability to build trusting relationships with families in home settings
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to identify family needs and connect participants with appropriate resources
• Valid Illinois driver’s license
• Reliable transportation for regular home visits and community travel

SMART GOALS

• Conduct scheduled home visits with assigned families according to program guidelines and service plans
• Monitor and document developmental milestones for enrolled children during home visits
• Provide individualized parenting coaching to support positive parent-child relationships
• Maintain 90% compliance with documentation requirements, ensuring home visit notes are completed within required timelines

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to travel frequently within the community to conduct home visits
• Ability to walk, stand, and climb stairs when visiting participant homes
• Ability to sit for extended periods while documenting services
• Ability to lift and carry program materials or supplies weighing up to 15 pounds
• Ability to communicate effectively with participants, staff, and community partners

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION

Hourly Rate: $23.08

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Contributions
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance & Disability Coverage
• Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Development Opportunities
• Wellness Programs & Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Occupational Risk for Exposure to TB:

There is an occupational risk for exposure to TB, as this position involves extensive community and patient contact. Employees in this role are required to comply with annual TB testing as part of workplace health and safety protocols. The only acceptable exceptions to this requirement are documented medical contraindications or religious objections. Employees who decline TB testing will be required to wear a mask when deemed necessary.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Friend Health – HRDI is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation including gender identity, gender expression, military discharge status, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. In addition, Friend Health – HRDI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process). Friend Health - HRDI supports the Pay Transparency Law as an equal opportunity employer.

Join Our Team!

Friend Health – HRDI is committed to strengthening families and improving maternal and child health outcomes through integrated behavioral health and recovery services. The Pregnant Women with Dependent Children (PWDC) Program supports pregnant and parenting women experiencing substance use disorders by providing treatment services, parenting support, and coordinated care designed to promote recovery, family stability, and healthy child development.

We are seeking a compassionate Home Visitor who is passionate about supporting families directly in their homes and communities. In this role, you will provide hands-on support, parenting guidance, and developmental education to help families create safe, nurturing environments for their children while supporting parents in their recovery journey.