Foster Care Liaison - Care Navigator

Centene Corporation; Niles (IL); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K and stock purchase plans

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off plus holidays

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

Centene Corporation offers a hybrid role in Illinois focused on coordinating care management for DCFS and CWCA-related youth services. The position combines remote work with on-site visits across northern Cook County, requiring coordination with DCFS staff and stakeholders and delivering training and education.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Nursing, Health Behavioral Science or equivalent, plus 2+ years in a social service/advocacy setting, and residency in Illinois.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required and 2+ years of experience in a social service agency/advocacy environment.
• Must reside in Illinois.
• Illinois YouthCare Plan Foster Care Liaison roles require on-site work with DCFS regional offices and education/training delivery to DCFS staff.

Responsibilities

• Develops, assesses, and coordinates care management activities to provide quality, cost-effective healthcare outcomes.
• Educates members and families on services and benefit options to improve access and care quality.
• Hybrid role with remote work and ~25% local travel for DCFS/CWCA office visits; regional relationship management and stakeholder training.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Nursing, Health Behavioral Science or equivalent experience

Job description

Business Area

Clinical & Care Management

Job Type

Full time

Position Purpose

Develops, assesses, and coordinates care management activities based on member needs to provide quality, cost-effective healthcare outcomes. Develops or contributes to the development of a personalized care plan/service plan for members and educates members and their families/caregivers on services and benefit options available to improve health care access and receive appropriate high-quality care through advocacy and care coordination.

Key Details

This position combines remote work-from-home work with approximately 25% local travel for local Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and Child Welfare Contributing Agency (CWCA) office visits in northern Cook County. Unlike traditional Care Navigator roles, Foster Care Liaisons function in a unique, hybrid capacity that blends operational support, care coordination, stakeholder training, and community relations responsibilities. They serve as regional relationship managers, educators, problem-solvers, and ambassadors for YouthCare. Preference will be given to applicants who reside within Cook County, IL (especially those near Maywood, Hillside, Deerfield, Lincolnwood, Arlington Heights, Evanston, Niles, Elmhurst).

The training schedule is Monday-Friday 8-5 pm and main schedule is Monday-Friday 8-4:30 pm or 8:30-5 pm CT (30 minute lunch) with some weekend events.

Education/Experience

• For Illinois YouthCare Plan only: Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Nursing, Health Behavioral Science or equivalent experience. 2+ years of experience working within a social service agency and/or advocacy environment. Must reside in Illinois.
• For Illinois YouthCare Plan Foster Care Liaison Roles only: Will be stationed on-site and hosted by DCFS Regional Offices throughout the State to provide administrative coordination with DCFS staff and stakeholders. Will be available during regular work hours to communicate with and to provide education and training to DCFS staff and stakeholders regarding managed care, and to engage in immediate problem resolution with Contractor's administrative staff. Will ensure that issues or barriers reported to a liaison must be addressed and the resolution communicated to appropriate DCFS staff or stakeholder.

Pay Range: $22.94 - $38.79 per hour

At Centene, we connect people to the care they need to live healthier lives- and the work you do here makes that impact real every day.

You’ll take on meaningful challenges that directly support individuals, families, and communities, building your skills while making healthcare more accessible and effective. It’s work with a purpose you can see, backed by a team committed to improving lives well beyond the workday.

Centene offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• competitive pay
• health insurance
• 401K and stock purchase plans
• tuition reimbursement
• paid time off plus holidays
• a flexible approach to work with remote, hybrid, field or office work schedules

Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law, including full-time or part-time status. Total compensation may also include additional forms of incentives. Benefits may be subject to program eligibility.

Centene is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the LA County Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act