LGBTQ+ Child Welfare Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

LGBTQ+ Child Welfare SpecialistWho 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.

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.

As 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.

• Coordinate 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.

Required:

• 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.

This 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.

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. Compensation is based on a set base salary rate plus additional compensation for education and experience.

• Average of 17–25 days PTO plus 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) – Medical and Dependent Care

• Pre-tax commuter benefits – 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

• 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

Submit your resume here. We look forward to learning more about you!

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.