Foster Care Recruitment and Family Finding Specialist

Foster Care Recruitment & Family Finding Specialist 2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants 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. Our Foster Care team plays a critical role in helping children find safety, healing, and long‑term stability. We work across Traditional, Specialized, and Adolescent Foster Care to reunify families or support successful transitions into long‑term homes and life‑long connections. About the Role Help young people build lasting support networks. As a Foster Care Recruitment & Family Finding Specialist, you'll play a key role in helping youth in foster care connect with relatives, fictive kin, and other trusted adults who can offer stability and love. You'll also support recruitment and training of foster parents while partnering closely with caseworkers to expand placement options for youth with complex needs. This is a great opportunity for someone who is compassionate, creative, and detail‑oriented— with the investigative curiosity to find and engage family members and the relational skills to build trust with youth and caregivers. You'll work in the field, attend events, conduct diligent searches, and contribute directly to improved permanency outcomes. In this role, you will: Conduct outreach, investigation, and research to locate family/fictive kin Interview families and assess placement potential and support systems Use genograms, ecomaps, social media, and databases to identify connections Serve as a liaison for youth transitioning to new placements Support foster family recruitment through targeted outreach and events Assist with training and guiding potential foster parents and relatives Collaborate with caseworkers, family teams, and community providers Maintain accurate documentation, correspondence, and case tracking in SACWIS Apply trauma‑informed, family‑centered, and equity‑based practices in all work Understand implicit bias and its role in placement decisions Attend meetings, trainings, and community engagement events as needed Who we’re looking for Required Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or Communications Valid driver's license (IL/IN/WI), reliable transportation, and proof of insurance Ability to pass a background check and drug screen Strong communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills Preferred Experience locating individuals, conducting outreach, or investigative work Knowledge of childhood trauma and youth with specialized needs Experience using strength‑based, trauma‑informed practices Familiarity with foster care systems, SACWIS, and child welfare processes Comfort engaging with diverse communities and conducting in‑home assessments Additional Information This position is based out of our Stewart campus (400 W 76th Street, Chicago, IL 60620) with local travel across Chicago and surrounding counties for outreach, meetings, or family assessments. Typical hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am‑5 pm, with occasional evenings or weekends as needed. Compensation, Benefits & Perks Salary: $47,800–$52,000 /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 How to Apply Submit your application 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. Seniority level Entry level Employment type Full‑time Job function Health Care Provider Industries Individual and Family Services #J-18808-Ljbffr Lawrence Hall