Foster Care Intake Specialist

Lawrence Hall; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 53,800 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Health insurance

Wellness reimbursement

401(k) match

Life insurance

Transit benefits

EAP

Referral bonus

Tuition & loan assistance

Job summary

Lawrence Hall is a Chicago‑based nonprofit providing therapeutic, wellness, and skill development services for youth and families affected by trauma.

The Foster Care Intake Specialist will receive and process referrals, conduct initial home visits, and ensure all intake documentation is completed and properly entered into SACWIS. The role supports transitions and prioritizes trauma‑informed care within a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related human service field.
• 1–2 years related work experience.
• Active Child Welfare license required.
• Active listener with high compassion for families.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure.
• Attention to detail; proficient with multiple databases.
• Experience with at‑risk communities and trauma‑exposed youth/families.

Responsibilities

• Receive, assess, and process referrals for youth and families entering foster care.
• Coordinate initial home visits and welcome packets.
• Complete intake documentation and ensure timely data entry in SACWIS.
• Take detailed notes during visits for handoffs to case management and licensing teams.
• Update shared documents and ensure transfer documentation is complete.

Skills

Active listening

Compassion

Multitasking

Tech savvy

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related human service field

Tools

SACWIS

Case management software

Job description

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.

A cornerstone program is Foster Care, supporting DCFS-referred youth ages 0-21 with safe, nurturing homes and services to help them thrive. Our staff work with foster families and caregivers to promote permanency — either reunification with birth families or long‑term alternative placements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Foster Care Intake Specialist is responsible for receiving, assessing, and processing referrals for youth and families entering the foster care system, including both traditional and specialized foster care placements. This role involves conducting initial home visits, gathering necessary information, and establishing a positive rapport with youth and their families. The Intake Specialist ensures that all intake procedures are followed, documents are completed, and services are properly initiated to support the well‑being of children in foster care. Establishes rapport with members of the foster care team to ensure appropriate transitions.

Must be able to effectively use verbal intervention skills with youth and adults. Flexible schedule required as this position may require work outside of normal business hours occasionally to meet the schedules of working foster parents.

Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon four core values: Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. These values are deeply embedded within our organization’s philosophy of trauma‑informed care and directly influence every position.

The position is located at 400 W. 76th Street, Chicago Illinois, 60628. Hybrid role after a minimum of 90 days: 100% in office for onboarding and training requirements. Flexible schedule to be able to prioritize and meet with your team around the school schedule and foster parents around their work schedule.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Intake and Case Processing:
   • Respond to calls from the DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) case assignment unit regarding new youth referrals.
   • Assist in the transfer of case assignments, ensuring smooth transitions for both the youth and foster family.
   • Complete and review all necessary case assignment documentation accurately and on time.
   • Ensure agency in receipt of all current and required documentation for transfers.
   • Adapt work schedules as needed to meet agency needs and perform other duties as assigned.
2. Foster Care Visit Coordination:
   • Contact the assigned foster parent to schedule an initial visit with the youth and family.
   • Prepare and provide a welcome packet to the youth and foster family during the intake visit.
3. Documentation and Case Management:
   • Complete all intake‑related paperwork, including the service plan, visitation plan, and visit notes. Ensure all signed intake documents are collected, reviewed, and stored properly.
   • Take detailed notes during the initial visit to relay important information to the case management, licensing, and supervisory teams.
   • Update shared documents and databases, such as SACWIS (Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System), with accurate and timely information.
4. Photo and Documentation Management:
   • Ensure that updated photos of youth are uploaded to SACWIS for all intakes and transfers.
   • Ensure that the agency has received all relevant legal documents, including Temporary Custody Orders and other supporting intake documents.
5. Placement Support:
   • Assist in family finding efforts to identify potential family members or resources for the youth, as needed.
   • Provide support in placing the youth in a new home or transition, ensuring the process is seamless and well‑coordinated.
6. Fund Requests and Coordination:
   • Complete and process any necessary fund requests related to the youth’s intake or placement needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related human service field
• 1‑2 years related work experience
• Active Child Welfare License required
• Active listener and high level of compassion to engage with families
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks effectively
• Attention to detail and tech savvy in operated multiple databases
• Experience working in at risk communities to engage with children and families
• Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferred
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, positive youth development/strengths‑based approach preferred
• A clean driving record, valid Illinois driver’s license, personal vehicle or access to a vehicle, and proof of auto insurance.
• Personal vehicle or access to vehicle and proof of insurance
• Valid Illinois/Indiana/Wisconsin Driver's license
• No history of child abuse or neglect & ability to pass background and drug screen.

COMPENSATION

Compensation is determined by a set base salary for each position, with additional compensation considered based on relevant education and experience. For this position, a candidate with a bachelor’s degree starts at $53,800. A master’s degree candidate starts at $55,800. Offer increases dependent on additional education and years of experience ranging from $53,800–$60,000.

Benefits and Perks that Support You

• Time Off Benefits (PTO): Employees receive an average of 17‑25 days of PTO, including vacation, paid leave, and sick time, in addition to 9 paid holidays.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans are available for employees, spouses/domestic partners, and child dependents.
• Wellness Reimbursement: Employees can receive up to $20 per month towards wellness‑related subscriptions/memberships.
• Retirement Savings: Our 401(k) plan includes a 100% employer match on contributions up to 3% after one year of service.
• Supplemental Insurance: Coverage options include Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, and Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability for employees and their families.
• Life & AD&D Insurance: Full‑time employees receive term life insurance equal to twice their salary at no cost.
• Commuter Benefits: Pre‑tax options are available to help cover parking and transit expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A free and confidential resource providing support for personal and work‑related challenges.
• Employee Referral Program: Employees can earn up to $1,500 for referring successful candidates.
• Tuition & Loan Assistance: Lawrence Hall is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

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

Following job offer acceptance, all new hires are required to complete a background check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Individuals who have lived outside of Illinois may also be subject to out‑of‑state checks, which can take up to eight weeks to process. While these checks are pending, candidates should continue completing all other pre‑boarding requirements. Employment may begin once all pre‑boarding steps are complete and DCFS clearance has been received.