Child Welfare Specialist (Foster Care)

Who We Are

Lawrence Hall is a Chicago-based nonprofit social services agency that provides therapeutic, wellness, and skill development services to youth, families, and communities impacted by trauma. Lawrence Hall is committed to helping young people build resilience, strengthen connections, and achieve long-term success through trauma-informed, community-based support.

Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon the principles of the Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) model and the core values of Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. Together, these principles are embedded throughout our trauma-informed philosophy and guide how we serve youth and families, support one another as colleagues, and partner with our community.

About the Role

As a Foster Care Child Welfare Specialist, you will support youth and families involved in the child welfare system while helping foster caregivers create safe, stable, and nurturing environments. This field-based role works closely with youth, birth families, foster families, and community partners to promote permanency, family reunification, and positive outcomes. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is relationship-focused, highly organized, and passionate about supporting children and families through meaningful change.

What You'll Do

• Manage a caseload of youth and families, including placement coordination, visitation arrangements, and permanency planning.
• Conduct regular home visits and provide ongoing support and guidance to foster caregivers.
• Attend court hearings, administrative case reviews, and other required child welfare meetings.
• Collaborate with schools, service providers, legal representatives, and community partners to coordinate services.
• Maintain accurate and timely case documentation in accordance with DCFS and agency requirements.
• Support foster parents while actively engaging birth families in reunification efforts whenever appropriate.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and receive regular supervision and professional development support.
• Apply trauma-informed practices and professional judgment in all interactions with youth and families.

Who We're Looking For

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field.
• Child Welfare Employee Licensure (CWEL) or ability to obtain and maintain licensure as required.
• Valid Illinois driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.
• Ability to work independently in a field-based environment throughout Cook County and surrounding areas.
• Willingness to participate in an on-call rotation.
• Strong documentation, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Preferred

• Previous experience working in foster care, child welfare, case management, or family services.
• Experience supporting youth and families impacted by trauma.
• Knowledge of DCFS policies, procedures, and permanency planning practices.
• Bilingual language skills.

Position Requirements & Work Environment

• Work Location: Based out of our Stewart Campus, 400 W. 76th Street, Chicago, IL 60620.
• Travel/Driving: Frequent travel throughout Cook County and surrounding counties to conduct home visits, attend meetings, and support youth and families. Reliable transportation required.
• Schedule: Typically Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, with occasional evening responsibilities and participation in an on-call rotation.
• Work Environment: Combination of office, community, court, school, and home-based settings.
• Other Position Requirements: Must successfully complete all required background checks and maintain required child welfare credentials and agency training requirements.

Compensation and Benefits

We care about the well-being of our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Salary: $53,800-$59,000 annually. Compensation is based on a set salary rate and may vary based on education and experience.
• Average of 17-25 days PTO + 9 holidays.
• Medical insurance (HMO and PPO options).
• Dental insurance (HMO and PPO options).
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) with up to 5% employer match and auto-vesting.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical and Dependent Care.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits for parking and transit.
• 100% employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Voluntary Life Insurance for employees, spouses, and children.
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage.
• 100% employer-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free counseling and life resources.
• Wellness Reimbursement Program.
• Employee Referral Bonus up to $1,500.
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for licensed employees.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the necessary skills and abilities. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not have experience in all areas of essential functions. We look forward to your application.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

Following job offer acceptance, all new hires are required to complete a background check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Individuals who have lived outside of Illinois may also be subject to out-of-state checks, which can take up to eight weeks to process. While these checks are pending, candidates should continue completing all other pre-boarding requirements. Employment may begin once all pre-boarding steps are complete and DCFS clearance has been received.

Following job offer acceptance, all new hires are required to complete a background check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Individuals who have lived outside of Illinois may also be subject to out-of-state checks, which can take up to eight weeks to process. While these checks are pending, candidates should continue completing all other pre-boarding requirements. Employment may begin once all pre-boarding steps are complete and DCFS clearance has been received.