Child Welfare Specialist

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 Role As 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. Responsibilities Manage cases for youth and families, including placement, visitation, and permanency planning Conduct in-home visits and support foster caregivers Attend court hearings and administrative reviews Collaborate with educators, service providers, and legal professionals Maintain accurate case documentation Support foster parents and engage birth families in reunification Participate in on-call rotation and supervision Apply trauma-informed care principles in all interactions Requirements Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field Valid Illinois driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance Child Welfare Employee Licensure Willingness to work in a field-based role and be on-call on a rotating basis Location & Hours This 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 Salary: $53,800-$59,000/year, based on 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) - 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 Background Check 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. Equal Opportunity Statement Lawrence Hall encourages applications from candidates who may not meet every qualification. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V). #J-18808-Ljbffr