Join Our Team & Make a Lasting Impact in Foster Care!
- 1,500 sign-on bonus for individuals without a CWEL.
- 3,500 sign-on bonus for individuals with a CWEL.
Are you passionate about supporting children and families? We're looking for compassionate, dedicated professionals to join our team and help create positive, lasting change in the lives of youth in foster care.
Position Summary:
The Foster Care Caseworker manages a caseload of children in placement, ensuring their safety, well-being, and progress toward permanency goals. This role involves working closely with children, their families, foster caregivers, and community partners to implement and monitor individualized service plans. This position is aligned with our Princeton office, but will cover cases primarily in the Ottawa area.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in human services or a related field
Child Welfare Employee License preferred but not required
Minimum of two years of relevant human services experience
Successful completion of required licensing exams during employment
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access) and general computer skills
Strong cultural awareness, sensitivity, and ability to work effectively with diverse populations
Key Responsibilities:
Direct Services - Child in Placement
Maintain consistent contact with children based on service plans
Assess and support each child's emotional, physical, educational, cultural, and social needs
Monitor adjustment and progress in placement, school, and community
Coordinate services through internal programs and external providers
Attend court hearings and administrative reviews as required
Family Engagement - Biological/Natural Family
Maintain regular communication with families in alignment with service plans
Conduct assessments and monitor progress toward reunification or permanency goals
Coordinate and connect families with necessary services and resources
Facilitate and support family visitation and aftercare services
Foster/Placement Family Support
Build and maintain strong relationships with foster and relative caregivers
Support caregivers in meeting the needs of the child
Monitor placement stability and progress
Provide training resources and guidance to enhance caregiver effectiveness
Documentation & Professional Collaboration
Maintain accurate, timely case documentation in compliance with agency and DCFS standards
Prepare reports and provide court testimony when required
Collaborate with service providers and advocate for the best interests of children and families
Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing evaluations
Adhere to agency policies and contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives
Core Competencies
Strong organizational and time management skills
Experience working with children and families
Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
Self-motivated with a proactive, solution-focused approach
What We Offer:
Medical, dental, and vision plans
Fitness reimbursement
Vacation, sick time, personal time, wellness day, and paid holidays
401(k) match at 6% after 1 year of employment
Tuition assistance
*Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley believes that all people deserve inclusivity, fairness, and justice. We believe that both the success of our team and the wellness of our community is strongest by recognizing the qualities that make each person unique, including race, gender, age, sexuality, ability, religion, national origin, gender identity and other identities. The YSB team values and respects each other and our community as we proudly serve.
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