Foster Care Caseworker

Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley • Aurora, IL

9d

About The Position

The Foster Care Caseworker manages a caseload of children in placement, ensuring their safety, well-being, and progress toward permanency goals. This role involves working closely with children, their families, foster caregivers, and community partners to implement and monitor individualized service plans.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field
• Minimum of two years of relevant human services experience
• Successful completion of required licensing exams during employment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access) and general computer skills
• Strong cultural awareness, sensitivity, and ability to work effectively with diverse populations
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Experience working with children and families
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Self-motivated with a proactive, solution-focused approach

Responsibilities

• Maintain consistent contact with children based on service plans
• Assess and support each child’s emotional, physical, educational, cultural, and social needs
• Monitor adjustment and progress in placement, school, and community
• Coordinate services through internal programs and external providers
• Attend court hearings and administrative reviews as required
• Maintain regular communication with families in alignment with service plans
• Conduct assessments and monitor progress toward reunification or permanency goals
• Coordinate and connect families with necessary services and resources
• Facilitate and support family visitation and aftercare services
• Build and maintain strong relationships with foster and relative caregivers
• Support caregivers in meeting the needs of the child
• Monitor placement stability and progress
• Provide training resources and guidance to enhance caregiver effectiveness
• Maintain accurate, timely case documentation in compliance with agency and DCFS standards
• Prepare reports and provide court testimony when required
• Collaborate with service providers and advocate for the best interests of children and families
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing evaluations
• Adhere to agency policies and contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives

What This Job Offers

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