Primary Function
This position will be located in Northern/Cook region of Illinois.
This is a position in the Congregate Care Assessment Program (CCAP) of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) under a contract with Northern Illinois University. CCAP Clinical Assessors conduct independent assessments of youth in care to determine if a Qualified Residential Treatment Provider (QRTP) placement is appropriate. Children placed with a QRTP have significant emotional and behavior concerns. These children are considered to be at high risk of serious harm toward self or others.
Duties and Responsibilities (generally)
The CCAP Clinical Assessors will conduct the required QRTP independent assessments in conjunction with the Child and Family Team within 30-days after the placement is made, utilizing the Illinois Medicaid – Child Adolescent Needs and Strengths tool (IM-CANS). The assessor will complete required documentation of the independent assessment. In addition, the assessor will prepare the required report for the 60-day Court Approval.
Minimum Required Qualifications for this position
Master’s degree from an accredited university in a clinical or related area of study, such as social work, counseling, clinical psychology, or community counseling.
Clinical Assessors must have an active clinical professional license issued by the State of Illinois that allows for independent clinical practice; Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW), Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT).
Clinical Assessors must have at least three years of experience working with youth 6 – 18.
Clinical Assessors must have at least three years of supervised experience conducting psychotherapy or clinical mental health assessments, which included conducting mental status examinations.
Clinical Assessors must possess and maintain a working knowledge of the DSM-5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.
Specialty Factors (Additional Required Qualifications)
Education and Experience Preferred
Experience working in a residential facility is preferred.
Experience using clinical screening tools is preferred.
Experience providing trauma-informed care is preferred.
Knowledge of empirically validated behavioral health treatments is preferred.
Experience assessing children and adolescents is preferred.
The ability to conduct mental health assessments in Spanish is preferred.
Certification or a credential to engage in clinical work with specialty populations is preferred.
Experience working with DCFS or a government agency providing mental health services is preferred.
Experience testifying in court is preferred.
Training or experience conducting psychological evaluations is preferred.
List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to the performance of this position.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are critical.
The position requires considerable typing.
The ability to type at least 20 words per minute proficiently is a must.
Clinical Assessors must be able to pass a background check.
Clinical Assessors must have knowledge of MS Word and ability to use email and general office equipment is a must.
The position requires considerable regional travel. Clinical Assessors must possess a valid driver’s license and auto insurance while employed.
