Bilingual Child Welfare Specialist

UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago; Cicero (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago is seeking a compassionate Bilingual Child Welfare Specialist to manage a caseload of children and families within the foster care system, delivering individualized service plans and coordinating services across education, medical, and behavioral health. This role requires fluent English and Spanish communication and a commitment to safety, permanency, and well-being.

You will work with foster families, biological families, schools, and community partners to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or related field.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in child welfare, foster care, case management, social services, or related field.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (required).
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English and Spanish.
• Valid Illinois Driver's License, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.
• Ability to obtain required DCFS certifications and licensure within designated timeframes.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of children and families in accordance with agency and DCFS standards.
• Conduct regular visits with children, foster families, and biological families.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized service plans to support permanency goals.
• Coordinate educational, medical, behavioral health, and community-based services.
• Advocate for children and families to ensure access to necessary resources and services.
• Prepare case documentation, reports, court-related materials, and maintain accurate records.
• Attend court hearings, case reviews, staffing meetings, and team meetings.
• Respond to crisis situations and provide support during emergencies as needed.
• Partner with schools, healthcare providers, foster parents, and community agencies to ensure positive outcomes for children.
• Utilize bilingual skills to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking children, families, and service providers.

Skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

Bilingual Child Welfare Specialist

UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Bilingual Child Welfare Specialist to provide case management services to children and families involved in the foster care system. This position plays a critical role in ensuring children's safety, well-being, and permanency while working collaboratively with foster families, biological families, service providers, and community partners. Fluent English and Spanish communication skills are required to effectively support the diverse families we serve.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of children and families in accordance with agency and DCFS standards.
• Conduct regular visits with children, foster families, and biological families.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized service plans to support permanency goals.
• Coordinate educational, medical, behavioral health, and community-based services.
• Advocate for children and families to ensure access to necessary resources and services.
• Prepare case documentation, reports, court-related materials, and maintain accurate records.
• Attend court hearings, case reviews, staffing meetings, and team meetings.
• Respond to crisis situations and provide support during emergencies as needed.
• Partner with schools, healthcare providers, foster parents, and community agencies to ensure positive outcomes for children.
• Utilize bilingual skills to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking children, families, and service providers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or a related social service field.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in child welfare, foster care, case management, social services, or a related field.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (required).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Spanish.
• Valid Illinois Driver's License, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.
• Ability to obtain required DCFS certifications and licensure within designated timeframes.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with foster care populations.
• Knowledge of Illinois child welfare regulations and DCFS requirements.
• Experience supporting children with developmental disabilities or complex medical needs.