Careers at Family Service

Are you a connector? Do you light up when meeting new people? Are you someone who can walk into a room of strangers and leave with a dozen new contacts and then actually follow up with them? Do you have a knack for telling a story, whether in person or in a well-crafted social media post? If that sounds like you, read on!

Family Service is looking for an energetic, people-first Outreach Coordinator to help us grow our presence in the community, connect with other agencies, and make sure the people who need us can find us. This role now includes leadership of our Self-Help Center, which means you’ll also be a go-to resource for the network of community support groups across Champaign County.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Attracting Clients to Family Service

You’ll think creatively and strategically about how we reach people who need our services but don’t know we exist yet. That might mean tabling at a community event, partnering with a local organization, or finding an unexpected channel to get the word out. This is a role where your initiative and imagination will matter.

Representing Family Service in the Community

You’ll speak on behalf of Family Service at community events, panels, and public gatherings. You’ll also host an annual workshop for community members and professionals who lead or want to start support groups. You don’t need to be a polished orator, but you do need to be comfortable with a microphone and confident talking about who we are and what we do. (Of course, you’ll get plenty of guidance and materials to craft your messaging.)

Building Relationships with Other Agencies

A big part of this role is cultivating relationships with caseworkers and staff at neighboring social service agencies. You’ll be our ambassador in the professional community. This entails making calls, attending meetings, and nurturing the kind of mutual trust that leads to great referral partnerships. If you love networking and find it energizing rather than exhausting, you’ll thrive here.

Supporting the Self-Help Center

Family Service runs the Self-Help Center, a community resource that connects people with self-help groups, supports group leaders, and helps new groups form and grow. You’ll be the primary contact for self-help group leaders across the county by consulting with them individually and helping them solve problems. You’ll also maintain our database and printed directory of local support groups, develop informational materials and resources, and organize CEU-granting events for professionals.  Finally, you will host Advisory Committee meetings and use their recommendations to guide the direction of the Self-Help Center.

Running Our Social Media

You’ll manage our social media presence, which involves planning, writing, and posting content that reflects our mission, promotes our services, and keeps our community engaged. Experience with Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and similar platforms is a must. Bonus points if you can record and edit short videos.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

•       Bachelor’s degree in communications, social work, public relations, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience

•       Experience in outreach, community engagement, social services, or a closely related field

•       Strong written and verbal communication skills

•       Comfortable representing an organization in public settings and one-on-one with community members

•       Hands-on experience managing social media accounts for an organization or cause

•       Ability to work independently, manage your time, and balance multiple priorities

•       Genuine warmth and respect for people of all backgrounds, cultures, and circumstances

•       Basic database management skills (e.g., data entry, running reports)

Preferred Qualifications

•       Experience in the nonprofit or social services sector

•       Familiarity with self-help groups, peer support, or community mental health resources

•       Existing connections within the Champaign-Urbana social services community

•       Experience with graphic design tools (e.g., Canva) and basic video editing

•       Bilingual a plus

You must also be able to pass a background check. The small print:

Any individual who is the subject of a pending investigation by the Department of Children and Family Services for child abuse or neglect, or who has been the subject of an indicated abuse or neglect report which has not subsequently been overturned on appeal, is not eligible for employment at Family Service. Current investigation by or substantiation of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation by an adult protective services agency also disqualifies a person for employment at Family Service until and unless allegations are found to be unsubstantiated.

THE FAMILY SERVICE CULTURE

Family Service has a culture that is reflected in our name: We are both family-focused (both the families we serve and the families we are from), and we pride ourselves on being strongly service-oriented. We are cultivating a workplace that is humble and diligent, a place where you can enjoy your coworkers, be proud of your impact, and always look for new and better ways to enhance our community. We train our people thoroughly and consider ourselves a training ground for being the best humanity has to offer. If you are looking for a position in an organization that values kindness, fresh ideas, hard work, and going the extra mile to help our clients and our community, Family Service might be the place for you. (Of course, we’re an Equal Opportunity Employer.)

THE PACKAGE

•       $19-22/hr, 37.5 hours per week

•       12 paid holidays

•       Paid time off after 90 days — can accrue up to 200 hours

•       Life insurance

•       Mileage reimbursement for community travel

QUALITY-OF-LIFE PERKS

•       Fantastic work-life balance

•       Great work mission: you will genuinely make a difference here

•       Family Service is an institution with an excellent reputation as an employer

•       We’re evolving from a local to a regional nonprofit. Things are moving fast, and it’s exciting.

Work location: In person at 405 South State Street, Champaign, IL

If we’re describing you, let’s get the ball rolling. Send a résumé and cover letter in PDF format to hr@familyservicecc.org.m description

Do you believe seniors deserve to stay in the homes they love, and that the people who help them get there deserve real support and leadership? Are you equal parts organized and compassionate? If so, this opportunity might be perfect for you.

Family Service is looking for a Community Support Services Manager to lead our HomeCare, Meals on Wheels, and Senior Transportation teams. You’ll supervise a hardworking group of direct care staff and volunteers, keep services running smoothly, and generally help seniors stay safe, independent, and healthy in their own homes.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Hiring & Supervising Our Direct Care Team

The composition of our team is the key to our success. With that success in mind, you will participate in the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of direct care staff, along with our Volunteer Coordinator. You’ll provide your staff with orientation and training, as well as guidance and supervision (including regular feedback and written evaluations).

Keeping Client Services Running Smoothly

You’ll build weekly schedules for staff, volunteers, and clients. You will also make sure new clients are assigned and families are notified of changes as they arise. You’ll be the go-to person for your programs, and as such, you’ll be the person answering questions, addressing concerns, and documenting issues as they arise. You will work directly with the Assistant Executive Director as issues arise.

Growing Our Private-Pay and Contracted Services

Working with the Assistant Executive Director, you’ll help develop and carry out an outreach plan to bring in more private-pay clients and contracts. You’ll respond to initial inquiries and follow up so as to grow the client base. You will also be our point person with the Care Coordination Unit (CCU) and other referral partners.

Supporting and Representing the Team

You’ll attend staff meetings, committee meetings, and supervisory check-ins. You will also represent Family Service in the community with the professionalism and confidentiality our clients and community count on.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, or a related field, or comparable experience

• Three years of management and supervisory experience, with strength in scheduling, technology, and public relations

• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with a positive, customer first attitude

• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and adapt when things change

• Initiative, creativity, and problem-solving skills; comfortable working independently and as part of a team

• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic realities of seniors, staff, and volunteers

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with seniors or direct service provision

• Experience in a nonprofit or aging services setting

You must also be able to pass a background check. The small print:

Any individual who is the subject of a pending investigation by the Department of Children and Family

Services for child abuse or neglect, or who has been the subject of an indicated abuse or neglect report which has not subsequently been overturned on appeal, is not eligible for employment at Family Service. Current investigation by or substantiation of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation by an adult protective services agency also disqualifies a person for employment at Family Service until and unless allegations are found to be unsubstantiated.

THE FAMILY SERVICE CULTURE

Family Service has a culture that is reflected in our name: We are both family focused (both the families we serve and the families we are from), and we pride ourselves on being strongly service-oriented. We are cultivating a workplace that is humble and diligent, a place where you can enjoy your coworkers, be proud of your impact, and always look for new and better ways to enhance our community. We train our people thoroughly and consider ourselves a training ground for being the best humanity has to offer. If you are looking for a position in an organization that values kindness, fresh ideas, hard work, and going the extra mile to help our clients and our community, Family Service might be the place for you. (Of course, we’re an Equal Opportunity Employer.)

THE PACKAGE

• $24.00-$26.00 per hr., 37.5 hours per week

• 12 paid holidays

• Paid time off after 90 days — can accrue up to 200 hours

• Mileage reimbursement for community travel

QUALITY-OF-LIFE PERKS

• Fantastic work-life balance

• Great work mission: you will genuinely make a difference here

• Family Service is an institution with an excellent reputation as an employer

• We’re evolving from a local to a regional nonprofit. Things are moving fast, and it’s exciting.

Work location: In person at 405 South State Street, Champaign, IL

If we’re describing you, let’s get the ball rolling. Send a résumé and cover letter in PDF format to hr@familyservicecc.org.

Pay: $24.00 - $26.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Do you like knowing that you made a real difference before you clock out for the day? Are you someone who can juggle a dozen moving pieces, stay organized under pressure, and still smile when you pick up the phone?

Family Service is looking for a Coordinator to run our Meals on Wheels and Senior Transportation programs in the Senior Resource Center. This is a full-time, in-person position on a team that goes the extra mile for seniors. Every day, this role helps older adults in Champaign County get either/both meals delivered to their doors and rides to medical and other appointments. The coordinator who fills this role keeps these crucial services running.

What You'll Be Doing

Running Meals on Wheels

You'll register new clients, set up delivery routes, and keep an eye on every detail from our food vendor to the volunteers who carry meals to people's doors. When a route needs to be covered or a client doesn't answer, you'll enact protocols to get the food delivered and check on no-show clients for their safety. When something goes sideways, you're the one volunteers will connect with.

Coordinating Senior Transportation

You'll take calls from clients who need rides, schedule those rides, work with local resources and partners, and make sure our volunteer drivers have everything they need. Record-keeping and billing are part of the job, as well. You'll be the steady point of contact for clients who depend on this service to get to medical appointments and other appointments and errands.

Managing Volunteers

Volunteers are the backbone of both programs. You'll interview new volunteers, get them set up with orientation, place them appropriately, and keep their files current. You'll also process their mileage reimbursements and work with our directors on ways to recognize and retain the people who give their time to our clients.

Supporting the Office

We’re an all-hands-on-deck organization. For example, when the receptionist needs back-up on the phones, you’ll occasionally step in to help. You'll also participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and the ongoing work of assessing and improving how our programs run.

What We're Looking For

Organized and Reliable

You track details without being reminded. You notice when something is missing, and you fix it. Keeping routes, records, schedules, and files organized and current is second nature to you. You understand that accuracy matters with older adults who deserve consistency, compassion, professionalism, and reliability.

A Natural on the Phone

Clients calling about their meals or their rides are sometimes anxious, sometimes confused, and sometimes just lonely. The right person for this position will be naturally patient, warm, and gentle while also being efficient.

A Problem Solver

No system is perfect: A driver calls in sick, a client doesn't answer, a route isn't covered. We’ll work with you on our current system for solving these issues. That system is yours to improve upon. 

A Genuine Team Member

You collaborate well, communicate with the rest of the SRC staff, and bring a positive presence to the office. You protect client confidentiality as a matter of routine.

Education and Experience

A high school diploma is required; some college is preferred. We'd love to see prior experience in a nonprofit or social services environment, or working with older adults specifically. Basic computer proficiency including MS Office is helpful.

Background Check

All candidates must be able to pass a background check. Any individual who is the subject of a pending investigation by the Department of Children and Family Services for child abuse or neglect, or who has been the subject of an indicated abuse or neglect report which has not subsequently been overturned on appeal, is not eligible for employment at Family Service. Current investigation by or substantiation of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation by an adult protective services agency also disqualifies a person for employment at Family Service until and unless allegations are found to be unsubstantiated.

The Family Service Culture

Family Service has a culture that is reflected in our name: we are both family-focused (both the families we serve and the families we are from), and we pride ourselves on being strongly service-oriented. We are cultivating a workplace that is humble and diligent, a place where you can enjoy your coworkers, be proud of your impact, and always look for new and better ways to enhance our community by meeting its needs. We train our people thoroughly and consider ourselves a training ground for being the best humanity has to offer. If you are looking for a position in an organization that values kindness, fresh ideas, hard work, and going the extra mile to help our clients and our community, Family Service might be the place for you. (Of course, we're an Equal Opportunity Employer.)

The Package

•     $18.00/hour

•     Full-time, non-exempt — 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

•     12 paid holidays

•     Paid time off after 90 days — can accrue up to 200 hours

•     Life insurance

•     Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel

Quality-of-Life Perks

•     Fantastic work-life balance

•     Great work mission: you will genuinely make a difference here

•     Family Service is an institution with an excellent reputation as an employer

•     We're growing — moving from a local to a regional nonprofit. Things are moving fast, and it's exciting.

Work location: In person at 405 South State Street, Champaign, IL

If we're describing you, let's talk. Send your résumé and cover letter in PDF format to hr@familyservicecc.org.iption

CAREGIVER ADVISOR – PIATT COUNTY

 Effective Date: Immediately

Before you scroll by: If you’re thinking that this job post isn’t for you because it’s senior services and your social service experience is with kids, please keep reading! This job listing might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Your Crucial Role in Caring for the Carers: Helping Ease the Stress of Day-to-Day Caregiving

Unpaid caregivers have a remarkable place in our country.  It is estimated that up to 85% of caregiving services are provided by unpaid caregivers, and one-quarter of the households in Illinois have a member who is looking after an older adult in some capacity. 

Caring for an older adult is one side of the caregiving spectrum; the other comprises adults 55+ who are raising their grandchildren.  Though the two caregiving scenarios look different, they share themes of concern, stress, and the need for resources and self-care.   

To respond to the needs of unpaid caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren, the State of Illinois offers a Caregiver Advisory service.  The Caregiver Advisory helps caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren build knowledge and skills, navigate services, access resources, and reduce caregiver stress. 

Our Caregiver Advisor offers that support and guidance to caregivers of older adults residing in Champaign or Piatt County.

Your Role as the Caregiver Advisor

As our Caregiver Advisor, you’ll be a key member of our Senior Resource Center staff.  You’ll enjoy variety and opportunities for creativity in this role.   This means you’ll be:

• Making contacts in Piatt County with other organizations who work with caregivers or grandparents raising grandchildren to build a robust referral network. 

• Finding ways to connect with potential clients (e.g., social media, in-person events).

• Providing clients with access to information and assistance about a wide variety of services available to them.

• Giving instruction and training, both in a classroom / workshop setting and through personalized in-home meetings, so the client has the skills they need to do the best job they can.

• Develop and implement support groups for both caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren in Piatt County.  (You’ll get plenty of training.)

• Working with grandparents raising grandchildren on solutions to challenges specific to their situation.  They often have questions about navigating the school system, dealing with technology at school and at home (Chromebooks, video games), and handling behavior issues and children’s grief and frustration.

• Being a listening ear and reliable support person who checks in on the client, gets to know them, follows up, and lets them know in word and action that they are not alone on their caregiving journey.

You’ll get all the tools you’ll need to be a fantastic Caregiver Advisor in your training, and your coworkers in the Senior Resource Center will provide robust support.

Who You Are: The Ideal Candidate

In our ideal world, our Caregiver Advisor will have knowledge or experience in children’s services.  A background in elementary or high school education, CASA, DCFS, or similar would go a long way in this position.  A willingness to learn about social services for children for our grandparents raising grandchildren works, too.

If you are the ideal candidate, you have at least a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field.  High school graduates with at least 5 years of relevant experience with the aging or youth population are encouraged to apply, as well.

You’ll have the following abilities:

·       Cordial and friendly with clients, maintaining professionalism and kindness at all times

·       Understanding of casework & how to properly document with case notes

·       Organized and efficient with minimum supervision

·       Respectful of various lifestyles, cultures, temperaments, and needs

·       Reliable transportation, ability to meet clients in their homes, at school, or in a public third place.

·       Can pass a background check: Any individual who is the subject of a pending investigation by the Department of Children and Family Services for child abuse or neglect, or who has been the subject of an indicated abuse or neglect report, which indicated report has not subsequently been overturned on an appeal, is not eligible for employment in the Counseling service.

The Family Service Culture

Family Service has a culture that is reflected in our name: We are both family-focused (both the families we serve and the families we are from), and we pride ourselves on being strongly service-oriented.  We are cultivating a workplace that is humble and diligent – a place where you can enjoy your coworkers, be proud of your impact, and always look for new and better ways to enhance our community by meeting its needs.  We train our people thoroughly and consider ourselves a training ground for being the best humanity has to offer.   If you are looking for a position in an organization that values kindness, fresh ideas, hard work, and going the extra mile to help our clients and our community, Family Service might be the place for you.  (Of course, we’re an Equal Opportunity Employer.)

The Package

$20.00 – $23.00; commensurate with experience

This is a full-time position where you’ll work 37.5 hours per week. 12 paid holidays, and vacation accrual after 90 days (capped at 200 hours)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Mileage reimbursement

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

If we’re describing you, let’s talk. Send your resumé and cover letter to hr@familyservicecc.org.   

Join Our Team: HomeCare Assistant, Senior Resource Center at Family Service

Effective Date: Immediately

Overcoming One of the Biggest Challenges in Advanced Aging: Living Independently

As they advance in the aging process, many older adults struggle with changes in mobility, managing pain, navigating the onset of dementia of oneself or one’s spouse, and/or growing unease with driving. Tasks that were once automatic can become overwhelming.

Our HomeCare Assistants offer a middle-ground solution. They provide non-medical, supportive care to clients, making it possible for older adults to live in their homes for as long as possible.

Your Role as a HomeCare Assistant

As HomeCare Assistant, you’ll be a key team member who rallies around your clients, giving them ground-level help with tasks they can no longer manage comfortably. Every client has a specific care plan that outlines exactly what will be done. Each client is different, of course, but the following are typical tasks in our care plans. This means you’ll be:

• Keeping the proverbial home fires burning by helping with groceries, meal prep, laundry, and cleaning, which keeps the client in an environment that is both clean, comfortable, and nourishing.

• Being the client’s travel partner by driving them to appointments or to the store. For trips to the grocery store, you’ll bring groceries in and put them away, as well. (You'll need access to a reliable vehicle car for this.)

• Assisting with bathing, grooming, dressing, transferring, supervision, and medication reminders in accordance with the client’s care plan.

• Providing positive, uplifting companionship to the client.

Outside of client care, we need to keep detailed, accurate records. Part of caring for clients is documenting. That means you’ll be:

• Recording tasks completed for the client each day.

• Keeping a close eye on your clients and reporting back to your supervisor about changes in function, mental health, or cognitive status that you observe. This gives clients an extra layer of protection – it is often the case that you’ll notice subtle changes before family members or medical staff who see them less frequently.

• Reporting any unsafe or unhealthy elements of their living environment.

Again, all these activities are provided in strict accordance with the care plan for each client.

Our HomeCare assistants are part of our team, and as such, they participate in staff meetings and trainings. We have robust procedures and guidelines to help you do the best work you can for the clients, and we work with all our HomeCare assistants to understand, interpret, and put the policies and procedures into practice.

Who You Are: The Ideal Candidate

First, do you have interest in working with older adults? This is our most successful HomeCare Assistants’ best asset.

If you are the ideal candidate, you have a high school diploma, GED, or at least one year of directly related experience, particularly with the aging population. CNAs are a great fit for this position.

You’ll have the following abilities and availability:

• A reliable vehicle with standard safety features, a valid driver’s license, and insurance appropriate to transport clients

• Can work at least 10 hours per week during business hours

• Cordial and friendly with clients, maintaining professionalism and kindness at all times

• Willing to be flexible – things can change quickly in this industry, and we roll with it

• Organized and efficient with minimum supervision

• Respectful of various lifestyles, cultures, temperaments, and needs

• Communication: Can read and write for necessary record-keeping (we’re not terribly picky about spelling)

• Accessible by phone

• Can complete the HomeCare Assistant training program successfully

• Can successfully complete a background check:

• Employment will be conditional pending compliance with Illinois Department of Public Health licensure regulations: Does not have a disqualifying background check under the requirements of the Health Care Worker Background Check Act without a waiver in compliance with the Health Care Worker Background Check Act [225 ILCS 46] and the Health Care Worker Background Check Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 955)

The Family Service Culture

Family Service has a culture that is reflected in our name: We are both family-focused (both the families we serve and the families we are from), and we pride ourselves on being strongly service oriented.  We are cultivating a workplace that is humble and diligent – a place where you can enjoy your coworkers, be proud of your impact, and always look for new and better ways to enhance our community by meeting its needs.  We train our people thoroughly and consider ourselves a training ground for being the best humanity has to offer.   If you are looking for a position in an organization that values kindness, fresh ideas, hard work, and going the extra mile to help our clients and our community, Family Service might be the place for you.  (Of course, we’re an Equal Opportunity Employer.)

The Package

Hourly rate of $18.75; $19.25 for those with a CNA

12 paid holidays per year

PTO starts accruing at time of hire (with a maximum accrual bank of 200 hours) and can be taken after 90 days.

Life insurance

If we’re describing you, let’s talk. Send us your resumé and cover letter.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $18.75 - $19-25 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

• Life insurance

• Mileage reimbursement

• Paid orientation

• Paid time off

• Paid training

• Safety equipment provided

Work Location: In person