Child Welfare Specialist (Foster Care)

Lawrence Hall•Chicago, IL

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. As a Foster Care Child Welfare Specialist, you will support youth and families involved in the child welfare system while helping foster caregivers create safe, stable, and nurturing environments. This field-based role works closely with youth, birth families, foster families, and community partners to promote permanency, family reunification, and positive outcomes. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is relationship-focused, highly organized, and passionate about supporting children and families through meaningful change.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field.
Child Welfare Employee Licensure (CWEL) or ability to obtain and maintain licensure as required.
Valid Illinois driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.
Ability to work independently in a field-based environment throughout Cook County and surrounding areas.
Willingness to participate in an on-call rotation.
Strong documentation, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working in foster care, child welfare, case management, or family services.
Experience supporting youth and families impacted by trauma.
Knowledge of DCFS policies, procedures, and permanency planning practices.
Bilingual language skills.

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of youth and families, including placement coordination, visitation arrangements, and permanency planning.
Conduct regular home visits and provide ongoing support and guidance to foster caregivers.
Attend court hearings, administrative case reviews, and other required child welfare meetings.
Collaborate with schools, service providers, legal representatives, and community partners to coordinate services.
Maintain accurate and timely case documentation in accordance with DCFS and agency requirements.
Support foster parents while actively engaging birth families in reunification efforts whenever appropriate.
Participate in an on-call rotation and receive regular supervision and professional development support.
Apply trauma-informed practices and professional judgment in all interactions with youth and families.

Benefits

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) for Medical and Dependent Care.
Pre-tax commuter benefits for 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 coverage.
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.