Child Welfare Specialist (Foster Care)

Job Description

Job Description

Lawrence Hall is a Chicago-based nonprofit social services agency that provides therapeutic, wellness, and skill development services to youth, families, and neighborhoods affected by lasting trauma. A cornerstone program is Foster Care, supporting DCFS-referred youth ages 0-21 with safe, nurturing homes and services to help them thrive. Our staff work with foster families and caregivers to promote permanency-either reunification with birth families or long-term alternative placements.About the RoleAs a Foster Care Child Welfare Specialist, you'll support youth in care, coordinate services, and partner with birth families and foster caregivers. You'll work in the field across Cook and surrounding counties, visiting homes, monitoring placements, and providing consistent care. This trauma-informed, mission-driven role focuses on long-term permanency and family reunification.In this role, you will: Manage cases for youth and families, including placement, visitation, and permanency planningConduct in-home visits and support foster caregiversAttend court hearings and administrative reviewsCollaborate with educators, service providers, and legal professionalsMaintain accurate case documentationSupport foster parents and engage birth families in reunificationParticipate in on-call rotation and supervisionApply trauma-informed care principles in all interactionsRequirementsBachelor 's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related fieldValid Illinois driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of insuranceChild Welfare Employee LicensureWillingness to work in a field-based role and be on-call on a rotating basisAdditional InformationThis position is based out of our Stewart campus (400 W 76th Street, Chicago, IL 60620). Typical hours Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, with occasional evenings/on-call.Compensation, Benefits & Perks 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/year, based on experience.Average of 17-25 days PTO + 9 holidaysMedical insurance - HMO and PPO optionsDental insurance - HMO and PPO optionsVision insurance401(k) with up to 5% employer match and auto-vestingFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Medical and Dependent CarePre-tax Commuter benefits - Parking and Transit100% employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D InsuranceVoluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and ChildrenAccident and Critical Illness InsuranceShort-Term and Long-Term Disability100% employer- paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free counseling and life resourcesWellness Reimbursement ProgramEmployee Referral Bonus up to $1,500Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for licensed employeesPublic Service Loan ForgivenessSubmit your application here.  We look forward to learning more about you!Lawrence Hall encourages applications from candidates who may not meet every qualification. We are an 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.