Trauma-Informed Foster Care Specialist

Lawrence Hall; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Pre-tax commuter benefits

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

CEUs for licensed employees

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Lawrence Hall, based in Chicago, seeks a Foster Care Child Welfare Specialist to support youth and families in the child welfare system. This field-based role emphasizes permanency, reunification, and trauma-informed practice while coordinating with schools, legal representatives, and community partners.

The position requires a bachelor’s in social work or related field, CWEL licensure or the ability to obtain it, a valid Illinois driver’s license, and willingness to be on-call.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field.
• CWEL licensure or ability to obtain and maintain licensure.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work independently in Cook County and surrounding areas.
• Willingness to participate in an on-call rotation.
• Strong documentation, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of youth and families, including placement coordination, visitation arrangements, and permanency planning.
• Conduct regular home visits and provide ongoing support and guidance to foster caregivers.
• Attend court hearings, administrative case reviews, and other required child welfare meetings.
• Collaborate with schools, service providers, legal representatives, and community partners to coordinate services.
• Maintain accurate and timely case documentation in accordance with DCFS and agency requirements.
• Support foster parents while actively engaging birth families in reunification efforts whenever appropriate.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and receive regular supervision and professional development support.
• Apply trauma-informed practices and professional judgment in all interactions with youth and families.

Skills

Valid Illinois driver's license

Field-based work

On-call rotation

Documentation & communication

Relationship-building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

CWEL licensure or ability to obtain licensure

Job description

Lawrence Hall, based in Chicago, seeks a Foster Care Child Welfare Specialist to support youth and families in the child welfare system. This field-based role emphasizes permanency, reunification, and trauma-informed practice while coordinating with schools, legal representatives, and community partners.

The position requires a bachelor’s in social work or related field, CWEL licensure or the ability to obtain it, a valid Illinois driver’s license, and willingness to be on-call.