Family Finding and Resource Specialist

Lawrence Hall • Chicago, IL

17h • $47,800 - $52,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level