CWEL

Quality Placement Authority; Lockport (IL); On-site; USD 56,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Quality Placement Authority in Illinois is seeking a Child Welfare Specialist to provide comprehensive case management for children, ensuring safety, well-being, and permanency. The role coordinates services, monitors foster placements, and supports foster and biological families.

You will maintain case documentation, participate in hearings and reviews, and collaborate with DCFS, courts, schools, and community providers. Travel between agency villages and flexible hours are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related field.
• At least one year of child welfare experience.
• CWEL licensure with DCFS.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive case management for children and families.
• Coordinate services and monitor foster placements.
• Maintain accurate case records and reports.
• Participate in case reviews, Administrative Case Reviews (ACRs), court hearings, and other meetings.
• Collaborate with DCFS, courts, schools, healthcare providers, and community agencies.
• Complete required trainings and CWEL licensure maintenance.
• Travel between agency villages as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional conduct.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Collaboration

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work / psychology / related field

DCFS CWEL licensure

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Microsoft Teams

SACWIS

Job description

The Child Welfare Specialist provides comprehensive case management services to children ensuring their safety, well-being, permanency, and overall development. This position involves coordinating services, monitoring foster placements, supporting foster and biological families, maintaining accurate case documentation, and collaborating with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), courts, and community agencies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive case management, including assessments, referrals, placement supervision, service planning, implementation, and ongoing support for children and their families.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records, including case notes, six-month summaries, permanency reports, and other required documentation.
• Conduct quarterly client file audits to ensure compliance with agency and DCFS requirements.
• Monitor foster placements to ensure children receive safe, stable, and consistent care, including appropriate medical, dental, emotional, and developmental services.
• Collaborate with clients, foster parents, biological families, supervisors, and other professionals to assess needs and support case goals.
• Coordinate services with DCFS, courts, schools, healthcare providers, and community agencies to ensure access to appropriate resources.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with community organizations and service providers.
• Prepare for and participate in case reviews, Administrative Case Reviews (ACRs), court hearings, staffing's, and other required meetings.
• Prepare and submit reports and documentation as requested by supervisors and DCFS.
• Participate in on-call duties as needed and promptly communicate case concerns or departmental issues to the Child Welfare Supervisor.
• Complete all required agency and job-specific training and obtain and maintain the required Child Welfare Employee Licensure (CWEL).
• Attend staff meetings, individual supervision, in-service training, and other meetings as directed.
• Maintain professional conduct and comply with agency policies and applicable state, federal, county, and municipal regulations.
• Protect confidential client information and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive case matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned while supporting the agency's mission and values.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field.
• At least one year of child welfare experience.
• Required DCFS Child Welfare Employee Licensure (CWEL).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with DCFS, courts, community agencies, foster families, and biological families.
• Ability to pass required DCFS background screenings, including CANTS/SACWIS and SORS.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams; familiarity with SACWIS preferred.
• Valid Illinois driver's license, acceptable driving record, reliable transportation, and appropriate auto insurance.
• Ability to travel between agency villages and surrounding communities.
• Strong organizational, time-management, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases, meet deadlines, and work flexible hours.
• Ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and make independent professional judgments.
• Sensitivity to the cultural, social, and economic backgrounds of children and families.
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with agency staff, clients, and the public.
• Commitment to maintaining an alcohol-, tobacco-, drug-, and firearm-free work environment.

Salary 56K-58K

Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm (Hours May Vary)