Foster Care Caseworker — Drive Positive Outcomes

Youth-Service-Bureau-of-Illinois-Valle; Crystal Lake (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley is seeking a Foster Care Caseworker to manage a caseload of children in placement, ensuring safety and progress toward permanency while coordinating with families, foster caregivers, and community partners.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in human services, at least two years of relevant experience, proficiency with Microsoft Office, and strong cultural awareness to work with diverse populations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field is required.
• Licensing exams to be completed during employment.
• Minimum of two years of relevant human services experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access) and general computer skills.
• Strong cultural awareness and ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

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.

Skills

Cultural awareness

Time management

Organization skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services or related field

Child Welfare Employee License preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Job description

Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley is seeking a Foster Care Caseworker to manage a caseload of children in placement, ensuring safety and progress toward permanency while coordinating with families, foster caregivers, and community partners.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in human services, at least two years of relevant experience, proficiency with Microsoft Office, and strong cultural awareness to work with diverse populations.