Sign up to access all features of our service.
  • Job search
  • Favorites
  • Create a CV
    New
  • Salaries
  • Subscriptions

Child Welfare Specialist

$57.08k - $60.08k

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois

Effective Date: March 1, 2024

NON-MANAGEMENT JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Child Welfare Specialist

Exempt/Non-exempt: EXEMPT

Immediate Supervisor: Program Manager

Salary Range: $57,079 - $60,079

Benefits: Click Here to view LCFS' Full-Time Employee Benefits.

Essential Functions:
  1. Primarily responsible for overseeing children and families assigned to Lutheran Child and Family Services for providing child welfare services which includes monitoring the child's well-being, the birth parents progress towards reunification, facilitating home visits and communicating appropriate information to foster families in their efforts to assist the child and birth parents. Transport child and parents at times in own vehicle. May work evening and some weekends in order to complete tasks. May travel to high-risk communities. Provide on-call services as assigned.
  2. Exercises discretion and sound judgment in performance of duties in conformance with applicable policies, procedures, statutes, rules and regulations.
  3. Implementation and referral of individualized and targeted services for youth and families, such as counseling, respite, mentoring, educational support, case management, crisis intervention, and continual language to services to meet the specialize needs of children/families.
  4. Collaborate regularly with multi-disciplinary teams and partners for continuous quality improvement, interventions, service delivery and the achievement of program outcomes.
  5. Actively participate in System of Care including the regular participation in clinical and medical staffing's and level of care.
  6. Actively participate in regular supervision, mediation, problem resolution, and crisis response by effectively responding to parent, child, provider and other stakeholder concerns and demonstrating the ability to effectively manage crisis and difficult case situations. (This includes on-call support.)
  7. Assesses and maintains knowledge of child welfare and population specific laws, policies and trends for recommending program adjustments and implementation that aides program effectiveness, children, families and communities.
  8. Achieve organizational performance outcomes on Key performance indicators metrics/dashboard towards safety, permanency, well-being and overall agency performance outcomes
  9. Represents clients' needs and Agency interest to referral sources, DCFS, the judicial system and governmental agencies.
  10. Continuously assesses the child's needs related to safety, education, medical and social and psychological well-being. Prepares accurate, timely required written, and verbal reports to the court and collateral contact information as appropriate upholding all consents and confidentiality issues. Handles all crisis situation and client complains with sensitivity and consults with supervisory chain when appropriate to resolve the matter.
  11. Complies with all requirements regarding utilization of the DCFS electronic record-keeping system (SACWIS). Prepares written service plans for each client as required by DCFS contract. Maintains up-to-date and accurate client files and databases, as required by agency/programmatic policies and procedures, professional standards, and external requirements of all relevant, regulatory, licensing, or accrediting body's. Implements, continuous quality improvement in all aspects of performance.
  12. Engages the child, the birth parents, and the foster parents in competently assessing the dynamics of the relationships and establishes a therapeutic alliance. Teaches effective parenting skills specific to the needs of the child and family.
  13. Maintains knowledge of community resources and coordinates appropriate referrals and follow up as needed and required for child, birth, parents, and foster parents. Establishes collaborative relationships with agency team members such as Case Aide, other child, welfare, specialists, service, providers, and institutions.
  14. Provides a welcoming and receptive environment in all contacts with clients, agency, staff and collateral contacts. Develops understanding and continuously develops self-awareness related to diversity, inclusion, and equity issues.
  15. Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Ability Requirements:
  • Ability to drive one's own vehicle and transport children, youth, and adults as needed.
  • In-depth knowledge of child welfare systems, regulations, and best practices.
  • Strong case management skills, including assessments, service planning, and progress monitoring.
  • Ability to advocate for children's rights and best interests within the child welfare system.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective interaction with families, children, professionals, and agencies.
  • Ability to provide crisis intervention and support to children and families facing challenging circumstances.
Background and Driving Requirements:
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required background checks, including but not limited to criminal background checks and CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System) checks, as required by law and agency policy. Candidates must also possess a reliable vehicle and have a valid driver's license and must not have had a suspended or revoked driver's license within the past three years.

Education and Experience:

Bachelors in a related human service field with 1 year of related experience in child welfare, case management, or a related role, with a demonstrated track record of expertise in specialized child and family services. A Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL) in IL is required. (Proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in English and Spanish preferred.)

Physical Demands and Other Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties listed in the job description satisfactorily. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, or controls; reach with hands and arms. Capable of operating standard office equipment, including a computer and keyboard, calculator, typical business machines such as a fax machine and copier. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to have valid driver's license, auto insurance and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. The work environment characteristics include a noise level which is usually low to moderate.

Position Responsibilities/Program Execution and Decision Making:
  • Diversity and Inclusion/ Professionalism: In all aspects of their work presents as a role model to others, behaving in a way which actively supports LCFS as a welcoming community, promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace and collaborates with others to further equity and dismantle barriers to a more inclusive experience of community. Participates in annual professional development and/or advocacy regarding inclusion .
  • Ethical Conduct: Follows all ethics policies and procedures related to program execution and decision making as defined by the agency as well as any related professional licensing, regulatory or accrediting body. Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information. Reports any known or suspected breaches of confidentiality in accordance with policy. Reports possible misconduct or relevant errors/ oversight in a timely manner and responsibly addresses related issues with chain of command.
  • Communication/ Interpersonal Skills: Consistently conveys clear, accurate, timely, and respectful communication appropriate for the situation. Informs appropriate management staff when incident occurs or a crisis situation. Maintains professional boundaries with clients/residents, staff, interns, volunteers, and vendors. Able to successfully share skills and concepts with others and works effectively with others under time and environmental pressures.
  • Safety and Agency Resource Utilization: Demonstrates sound judgement and foresight in safety awareness and in daily work. Notifies, in a timely manner, the supervisory chain of any incidents or circumstances that need attention. Report all suspicions or allegations of abuse immediately to their supervisor. Ensures appropriate utilization of materials and resources and minimizes waste.
  • Other Responsibilities: All other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

LCFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer


Pay Range: $57,079 - $60,079 per hour
Vacancy posted 4 days ago
Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the Child Welfare Specialist in Springfield, IL vacancy
  • $6,460 per month

     ...: 58111 Opening Date: 08/10/2026 Closing Date: 08/24/2026 Agency: Department of Children and Family Services Class Title: CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST - 07218 Skill Option: UMP Credential Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6460 monthly; Full Range... 
    Child
    Full time
    Contract work
    Flexible hours

    Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

    Springfield, IL
    4 days ago
  • $6,242 per month

    Job Title Child Welfare Specialist (CWS) - Upward Mobility Agency: Department of Children and Family Services County: Sangamon Number of Vacancies: 2 Job Type: Salaried Shift: 3:30 pm - Midnight, Rotation A1 Location: 2200 Churchill Rd, Springfield, IL 62702 Closing... 
    Child
    Apprenticeship
    Second job
    Flexible hours
    Shift work
    Night shift

    Morreale Communications

    Springfield, IL
    5 days ago
  • $6,460 per month

     ...111 Opening Date: 08/10/2026 Closing Date: 08/24/2026 Agency: Department of Children and Family Services Class Title: CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST - 07218  Skill Option: UMP Credential  Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6460 monthly; Full Range... 
    Child
    Full time
    Contract work
    Part time
    Apprenticeship
    Flexible hours

    Illinois Department of Children & Family Services

    Springfield, IL
    25 days ago
  • $6,460 per month

     ...Opening Date: 09/01/2026 Closing Date: 09/16/2026 Agency: Department of Children and Family Services Class Title: CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST - 07218UMP Skill Option: UMP Credential Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,460/mo;... 
    Child
    Full time
    Contract work
    Part time
    Apprenticeship
    Work at office
    Monday to Friday
    Flexible hours
    Weekend work
    Afternoon shift
    3 days per week

    Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

    Springfield, IL
    2 days ago
  • $22.05 - $33.08 per hour

     ...dynamics, play, developmental observation and assessment. Certifications, Licenses and Registrations ~ Certified Child Life Specialist is required. Certification required through Child Life Council, or eligible to take the exam. Scheduled Weekly Hours:... 
    Child
    Full time
    Temporary work
    Part time
    Monday to Friday
    Flexible hours

    HSHS

    Springfield, IL
    5 days ago
  •  ...work we do every day for our students - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and...  ...Summary Reporting to the Director of Academic Access, the Transition Specialist will be responsible for supporting the implementation, expansion... 
    Child
    Full time
    Part time
    Work at office
    Local area
    Flexible hours

    Chicago Public Schools

    Springfield, IL
    2 days ago
  • $44.4k - $50.58k

     ...Chestnut Health Systems is seeking one full-time Community Health Specialist to assist in coordination of the Bond County Recovery Oriented...  ...within the site plan area. Must be able to obtain DCFS CANTS Child Abuse Clearance. Are you intrigued by this job but don’t meet... 
    Child
    Full time
    Contract work
    Work at office
    Local area
    Work from home

    Chestnut Health Systems

    Springfield, IL
    1 day ago
  • $119.25k - $198.75k

     ...Immunization Specialist Territory: Covers Quincy and Springfield, Illinois; Burlington, Iowa and surrounding areas, including portions of Hannibal, Missouri. Candidate must reside in Quincy, Springfield or within the territory. Role Overview: For more than 140 years... 
    Child
    Contract work
    Seasonal work
    Work at office
    Local area
    Relocation
    Shift work
    Night shift

    GSK

    Springfield, IL
    5 days ago
  • Milton Hershey School seeks a compassionate Student Support Caregiver to nurture and guide students in a residential, pre-K-12 environment. In this role, you’ll provide daily care and supervision, model positive behavior, and promote social-emotional growth. Working closely...
    Child

    Milton Hershey School

    Springfield, IL
    4 days ago
  • $45 - $50 per hour

    RN Psychiatry Benefits: Referral bonus Competitive salary Paid time off Job description: Who we are: Diverse Lynx, based in Princeton, NJ, is a Healthcare Staffing agency serving a broad array of U.S. healthcare facilities, from hospitals and clinics...
    Child
    Hourly pay
    Shift work

    Diverse Lynx

    Springfield, IL
    1 day ago
  • Work Schedule 100% FTE, M-F 7:00am-4:00pm, you will work at UW Health Swedish American Hospital 1401 E State St. Job Description Work Schedule: 100% FTE, M-F 7:00am-4:00pm, you will work at UW Health Swedish American Hospital 1401 E State St. Additional components of compensation...
    Child
    Temporary work
    Work experience placement
    Night shift
    Weekend work
    Afternoon shift

    UW Health SwedishAmerican

    Springfield, IL
    1 day ago
  • $53.03k - $62k

    Family and Community Engagement Specialist Full Time or Part Time: Full Time Months Worked Per Year: 12 Hours Worked Per Week: 40 Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM Must have the ability to be flexible with schedule for special events. Remote Work Availability... 
    Child
    Full time
    Part time
    Summer work
    Work at office
    Remote work
    Monday to Friday
    Flexible hours

    Lincoln Land Community College

    Springfield, IL
    17 days ago
  •  ...Seeking a reliable and experienced nanny to care for one child near 62751. Duties include engaging in age-appropriate activities, preparing meals and snacks, and ensuring the safety and well-being of the child. The ideal candidate must be patient, trustworthy, and possess... 
    Child
    Part time
    Weekend work
    Afternoon shift

    Wyndy LLC

    Springfield, IL
    4 days ago
  • Milton Hershey School is seeking dedicated Houseparents to live on campus and create a safe, nurturing home environment for students in a residential school setting. Houseparents support students’ daily routines, social and emotional growth, and character development while...
    Child

    Milton Hershey School

    Springfield, IL
    4 days ago
  • $15 - $16.5 per hour

    Meijer Food Clerk As a family company, we serve people and communities. When you work at Meijer, you're provided with career and community opportunities centered around leadership, personal growth and development. Consider joining our family take care of your career...
    Child
    Weekly pay

    Meijer

    Springfield, IL
    5 days ago
  •  ...(contested, uncontested and collaborative) Parentage (paternity) actions Post-decree matters (modifications, enforcement, contempt) Child support establishment and modification Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and correspondence Appear in court for hearings, status... 
    Child
    Work at office

    NACBA

    Springfield, IL
    5 days ago
  • Flexible part time jobs now available in your area! Perfect for stay at home Moms and Dads! Looking for an independent part time job while your children are in school? As your children go back to school this fall, this is a perfect opportunity to earn some extra income...
    Child
    Extra income
    Part time
    Flexible hours
    Shift work

    RetailData

    Springfield, IL
    2 days ago
  • $4,144 per month

    This job was posted by : For more Information, Please See DCFS, STATE CENTRAL REGISTER, OFFICE ASSOCIATE -Rotation B1 8am-4:30pm shift Job Requisition ID: 58040 Opening Date: 08/10/2026 Closing Date: 08/24/2026 Agency: Department of Children and Family Services Class ...
    Child
    Full time
    Contract work
    Temporary work
    Work at office
    Shift work

    Illinois Department of Human Services

    Springfield, IL
    5 days ago
  •  ...years of age. Education: High School Diploma or equivalency certificate (GED) required. Associate's degree in Early Childhood or Child Development is strongly desired. Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood or related field is strongly preferred. In lieu of an Associate... 
    Child

    Decatur Memorial Hospital

    Springfield, IL
    5 days ago
  •  ...Assisting parents to learn about health problems and aspects of parental responsibility for the health care and maintenance of their child/children. Providing relevant health instruction, counseling and guidance to students, school personnel, parents and others on... 
    Child
    Contract work

    Ash Grove R-IV School District

    Springfield, IL
    1 day ago
  • $15 - $15.5 per hour

     ...experience preferred Benefits include: Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care & cell phone discounts; pet & legal insurance; credit union; referral bonuses. Those who meet service or hours requirements are... 
    Child
    Hourly pay
    Temporary work
    Part time
    Local area
    Home office
    Flexible hours

    The TJX Companies , Inc.

    Springfield, IL
    1 day ago
  •  ...the coordination and facilitation of organizational, financial, and physical resource planningProvides input into the review of Child Welfare Practice and Workforce Development (CWPWD) vouchers to ensure payments are correctProvides technical guidance and expertise in the... 
    Child
    Contract work
    Work at office
    Night shift

    Illinois Staffing

    Springfield, IL
    5 days ago
  • Remote Full time R-102044 Job Description: Sharecare is a digital healthcare company that delivers software and tech-enabled services to stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem to help improve care quality, drive better outcomes, and lower costs. Through its data-...
    Full time
    Work at office
    Remote work
    Flexible hours
    Afternoon shift

    Nexxt, Inc.

    Springfield, IL
    2 days ago
  • $4,144 per month

     ...incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. About the Agency DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. In every effort, from... 
    Child
    Full time
    Contract work
    Part time
    Apprenticeship
    Work at office
    Monday to Friday
    Flexible hours

    Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

    Springfield, IL
    2 days ago
  •  ...offices Coordinate and provide administrative support for various strategic corporate initiatives Deliver high-level paralegal/legal specialist assistance and project support to internal lawyers as needed Identify and implement improvement opportunities across business... 

    Jobtailor

    Springfield, IL
    1 day ago
  •  ...the direction of the DCFS Director of the Office of Research and Child Well-Being, the Skill Advancement Coach provides structured,...  ...administration or related field. # Three (3) years of experience in child welfare (case work, supervision, mental health treatment provision to... 
    Child
    Work at office
    Work from home

    Northern Illinois University

    Springfield, IL
    7 days ago
  • $20 - $22 per hour

     ...workforce, we are committed to creating an unforgettable experience as a great place to live, work, and be. The Role The Leasing Specialist is responsible for leasing, marketing, and maintaining positive resident relations within the community. The incumbent in this role... 
    Immediate start
    Flexible hours
    Afternoon shift

    Avanath Realty

    Springfield, IL
    3 days ago
  • $125k - $155k

     ...As a Platform Specialist, you will focus on optimizing and maintaining applications across iOS, Android, or Windows environments. Troubleshooting platform-specific issues. Implementing updates. Ensuring seamless integration with other systems. Collaborate... 
    Contract work
    Work at office

    ASM Research, An Accenture Federal Services Company

    Springfield, IL
    1 day ago
  • $55k

     ...A Day in the Life: The Learning Specialist delivers engaging learning experiences, primarily in a virtual environment across Operations, Leadership, Customer Care, and other assigned programs. This role focuses on facilitation, learner engagement, classroom management... 
    Work at office
    Worldwide
    Flexible hours
    Afternoon shift
    Early shift

    The Hertz Corporation

    Springfield, IL
    4 days ago
  • A high school district in Illinois is seeking a Boys Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach for the 2026-2027 school year. The ideal candidate must meet IHSA standards and have coaching experience, preferably at the collegiate or high school level. This position falls under the...

    Grayslake Community High School District 127

    Springfield, IL
    2 days ago

Do you want to receive more vacancies?

Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Child Welfare Specialist. Be the first to apply!