LifeSet Specialist – TLP

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The LifeSet Specialist provides case management and independent living services to youth in the Developmental Disability Transitional Living Program (DD-TLP). Working collaboratively with youth, families, community partners, and the interdisciplinary team, the LifeSet Specialist promotes permanency, family engagement, and positive life outcomes while ensuring compliance with DCFS, LifeSet, licensing, and agency requirements. 

This position coordinates services and manages all aspects of a youth's transition from admission through discharge and aftercare planning to support long-term stability and success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates in admission screenings; gathers information regarding youth strengths, needs, goals, family supports, and safety concerns; and communicates relevant information to the treatment team to support service planning and care coordination.
• Participates in treatment planning and case reviews while providing individualized coaching and skill development support. Assists youth in building independent living, educational, employment, social, and community integration skills through experiential learning opportunities.
• Provides LifeSet services in accordance with program requirements; completes required assessments and service plans; maintains documentation within GuideTree; and collaborates with consultants, clinicians, and team members to support youth progress and outcomes.
• Ensures compliance with Medicaid requirements by maintaining accurate documentation, completing billable service records in a timely manner, and coordinating with providers to support medically necessary services.
• Develops, implements, and monitors individualized service and safety plans; reviews youth progress; updates services as needed; and advocates for youth during case reviews, court proceedings, educational meetings, and other service-related staffings.
• Identifies and engages family members and other supportive adults; promotes healthy relationships; coordinates visitation and family involvement; and works to establish lasting support networks for youth.
• Assists with coordinating medical, dental, behavioral health, and other healthcare services; supports appointment attendance; and promotes youth self-advocacy and healthcare management skills.
• Collaborates with youth, families, and community partners to develop transition plans, assess readiness for adulthood, and connect youth with housing, employment, educational, guardianship, and community-based resources.
• Maintains complete and timely case records, including assessments, service plans, contacts, interventions, transition planning activities, and discharge documentation, in accordance with regulatory and agency standards.
• Participates in required training; maintains certifications; and remains current on best practices related to youth development, trauma-informed care, case management, and transitional living services.
• Provides after-hours on-call coverage as assigned, responds to crises using trauma-informed practices, ensures youth safety, and follows agency policies and reporting requirements while coordinating appropriate interventions and follow-up services.

Requirements

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Experience working with adolescents, transition-age youth, or individuals with developmental disabilities strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with youth, families, community partners, and multidisciplinary team members.
• Must be able to transport youth and travel as necessary to fulfill program responsibilities.
• Strong organizational, time management, and documentation skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records in compliance with agency, licensing, Medicaid, DCFS, and LifeSet requirements.
• Must meet DCFS/CANTS Clearance Requirements. 
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and maintain proof of automobile insurance.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field, with a minimum of two (2) years of experience in case management, counseling, youth services, or a related field, is required.
• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, or a related behavioral health field preferred.
• Illinois DCFS Child Welfare Licensure (CWEL) must be obtained within the first 90 days of employment.  

CARE & TCI

Hoyleton has adopted the CARE (Children and Residential Experience), developed by Cornell University, to guide our culture and practice. CARE is grounded in six core principles: Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Relationship Based, Ecologically Oriented, Competence Centered, and Trauma Informed. 

Completion of CARE and TCI training is an internal requirement for all staff and must be completed upon hire. Ongoing application of these principles is expected and essential to successful job performance. 

TCI (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention). Employees must:

• Pass the written test annually
• Pass the physical test every six months (if applicable to their role)

Consistent participation and application of both CARE and TCI principles drive company culture and are essential to job performance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position operates in a TLP Setting & community-based environment and may require travel to agency sites, client locations, and partner organizations based on role responsibilities.

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, which may include walking, standing, sitting, climbing stairs, bending, kneeling, and lifting or moving up to 50 pounds as required by job duties.

Minimal exposure to environmental factors such as noise, dust, or varying indoor/outdoor temperatures may occur depending on program needs and client-related activities. 

BENEFITS

• Medical insurance with company funded Health Savings Account (HSA) 
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick, and personal days
• 10 company holidays and 1 floating holiday
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement
• 6 weeks paid parental leave
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer match 
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Optional supplemental benefits including: voluntary life, short-term disability, long-term disability, accident, and critical illness coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to employees and their household members for additional support
• Tuition reimbursement to encourage continued learning and growth
• BenefitHub Perks Program offering valuable employee discounts