Foster Care Child Welfare Specialist
Who we are
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.
One of our cornerstone programs is Foster Care, which connects DCFS-referred youth ages 0–21 with safe, nurturing homes and the comprehensive services they need to thrive. Whether supporting Traditional, Specialized, or Adolescent Foster Care, our staff work alongside foster families and caregivers to help young people reach permanency—whether that’s reunification with their birth family or a long-term alternative caregiver.
About the Role
Be the steady presence a young person needs as they navigate foster care. As a Foster Care Child Welfare Specialist, you’ll provide hands-on support to youth in care, coordinate services, and partner with birth families and foster caregivers to build strong, stable futures. You’ll work as part of a trauma-informed, mission-driven team focused on long-term permanency and family reunification whenever possible.
In this field-based role, you’ll visit homes across Cook and surrounding counties to ensure each child receives consistent care, support, and connection. It’s meaningful, complex work, and no two days are ever the same.
As a Child Welfare Specialist, you will:
- Provide case management for youth in foster care and their families, including placement, visitation, and permanency planning
- Conduct in-home visits to monitor and support foster caregivers
- Attend court hearings and administrative case reviews to report on case progress
- Collaborate with educators, service providers, and legal professionals
- Maintain accurate and timely case documentation, reports, and service plans
- Support foster parents and engage birth families in reunification efforts
- Participate in on-call rotation and attend regular supervision
- Practice trauma-informed care principles in all interactions
Who we’re looking for
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related human services field
- Valid Illinois driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance
- Ability to pass Foster Care Licensing standards (Rule 402) within 3 months of hire
- Child Welfare Employee Licensure (or must attend and pass Foundations training)
- Strong communication, documentation, and engagement skills
- Willingness to work in a field-based role and be on-call on a rotating basis
Preferred:
- Experience working with youth or families impacted by trauma
- Knowledge of DCFS rules, youth development, and strength-based practices
Additional Information
This position is based out of our Stewart campus (400 W 76th Street, Chicago, IL 60620). This is a field-based role with frequent travel across the Chicago area. Typical hours are Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, with occasional evenings and on-call rotation.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary: $53,800–$60,000/year, based on experience.
- Average of 17–25 days PTO + 9 holidays
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with employer match
- Free life insurance (2x salary)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Referral bonus up to $1,500
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