LGBTQ+ Child Welfare Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

LGBTQ+ Child Welfare SpecialistWho We AreLawrence Hall is a Chicago-based nonprofit social services agency providing therapeutic, wellness, and skill-development services to youth, families, and communities affected by trauma.Our Lakewood Affirming Care Group Home provides a safe, structured, and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth. Our team centers each young person's identity, voice, strengths, relationships, and long-term stability.About the RoleAs the LGBTQ+ Child Welfare Specialist, you will provide comprehensive case management and advocacy for youth living in the Lakewood Affirming Care Group Home.You will coordinate services related to placement, education, health care, family connections, court involvement, permanency, and transition planning. This is a great opportunity for someone committed to LGBTQ+ affirming, trauma-informed, and youth-centered child welfare practice.What You'll DoCoordinate case planning, services, visitation, court involvement, permanency, and transition support in partnership with youth and families.Advocate for each young person's identity, goals, relationships, and preferences while connecting them to affirming community resources.Collaborate with DCFS, schools, courts, providers, families, and the Lakewood team while maintaining timely documentation in SACWIS and other required systems.Who We're Looking ForRequired:Bachelor 's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field.Current Child Welfare Employee Licensure or ability to complete required DCFS training, examinations, and CERAP requirements.Experience working with LGBTQ+ youth or demonstrated knowledge of LGBTQ+ affirming practices.Valid Illinois driver's license, reliable transportation or access to a vehicle, and proof of insurance.Ability to meet all required background, mandated reporter, licensing, and employment requirements.Preferred:Previous child welfare case management experience.Current CWEL, CERAP, SACWIS, or other relevant DCFS credentials.Experience in residential care, foster care, behavioral health, or affirming services for adolescents. Qualified LGBTQ+ applicants and individuals with relevant lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Additional InformationThis is a full-time, onsite position based at the Lakewood Affirming Care Group Home in Chicago. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with flexibility required for court hearings, visits, meetings, emergencies, and occasional evenings or weekends.Local travel is required, including work in residential, court, school, community, and family-home settings. The position may also involve transporting youth in an agency or personal vehicle and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds.Compensation, Benefits & PerksCompensation is determined by a base salary for each position, with additional compensation considered based on relevant education and experience.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 per year, based on experienceAverage of 17–25 days PTO plus 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 ForgivenessHow to ApplySubmit your online application here. We look forward to learning more about you!Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification.This position is exempt.Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V  CLASSIFICATIONDepartment: Affirming Care / Lakewood Affirming Care Group HomeReports to: Assigned Program SupervisorStatus: ExemptPTO / Time Off Schedule: Schedule C