The Role:      

The Emergency Foster Parent provides a stable and healing home environment for youth in need, typically short-term for emergency purposes.  Residing in a One Family Illinois (One Family) home at our Chicago Village, the Emergency Foster Parent will work with other One Family Illinois Professional Foster Parents providing Relief when they do not have a placement of their own. 

Responsibilities:

• Reside in a One Family Illinois Village home and provide a stable, healthy, clean, safe, and secure home environment for youth during uncertain times of emergencies as needed.
• Provide emergency/short term foster placement to children who are at immediate risk of entering temporary foster care at short notice and may provide care up to 30 days.
• Ensure that the children receive proper medical, dental, and emotional care, including administering prescribed medications as needed, and documenting all such interactions. Complete all required documentation related to medical incidents/reports, and medication management as required by the Agency and DCFS. Ensure the child's participation in mental health services as required.           
• Ensure the educational growth and plans for the children are carried out as best as possible without disruption.  A pro-active attitude and response are required such as active participation in the school, setting expectations for attendance and performance, active participation in homework and enrichment programs, advocating for children’s needs, and the willingness to serve as a surrogate parent for special education needs.
• Provide transportation to and from required service appointments, school and visitation when scheduled.
• Attend court, Administrative Case Reviews and related conferences as required.
• Maintain timely and accurate records such as household budget, children's progress records, health records while they are in your care and transfer documents appropriately when a placement transition is made. 
• Represent One Family Illinois in a professional manner to the public and guests, including maintaining an attitude of respect and understanding toward the parents of the youth. 
• Provide Relief in other One Family Illinois sibling foster care homes when you do not have a placement of your own.  This involves assisting One Family Illinois Professional Foster Parents in providing care, whether in their absence or presence, in services to the children including transportation of children to recreational activities, homework assistance, therapy, and additional supervision of the children. 
• Provide responsible, "parental" supervision, monitoring, care and direction for the children consistent with the One Family Professional Foster Parent's methodology in the One Family Professional Foster Parent's absence. Carrying on the normal structure and routine in the absence of the One Family Professional Foster Parent. 
• Maintain written documentation necessary for internal files and contractual obligations. 
• Prepare meals, do laundry, and assist the youth with appropriate maintenance of the home and attend to the general orderliness and neatness as would normally occur during the shift in which relief work is scheduled. 
• Assist case management staff with adequate supervision and monitoring of parental or sibling visitation according to family service plan.
• Communicating with the One Family Illinois Professional Foster Parents as to events during their absence. 
• Comply with all One Family Illinois policies, state, federal, county and city laws, rules and regulations.
• Maintain One Family Illinois cell phone charged and readily available.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 25 years of age.
• Previous childcare experience.
• Physical demands include lifting small children and moving up and down stairs within the home.
• Cleared DCFS required Criminal, child abuse, and sexual offender registry background check.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license with acceptable driving record and proof of automobile insurance coverage.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to relate to the Agency staff and to the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work live-in 24/7 hours during designated emergency period.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential materials.
• Ability to work in an alcohol, tobacco, drug, and firearm-free environment.
• Commitment to One Family Illinois philosophy and mission.