Youth Care Worker for Safe Haven Program

One Family Illinois; Chicago Ridge (IL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

One Family Illinois is seeking a Youth Care Worker to provide day-to-day support and supervision for children in the Safe Haven Emergency Foster Care Program. You will help with routines, safety, and trauma-informed care during transitions, collaborating with foster parents and staff to meet each child’s needs.

The role emphasizes empathetic engagement, crisis recognition, and documenting daily observations while coordinating care with the team.

Qualifications

• Requires High School Diploma or equivalent; associate degree preferred.
• Experience with youth in educational settings and foster care or similar programs is a plus.
• Ability to pass DCFS background checks and have valid IL driver's license with reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and care for youth in the Safe Haven Program.
• Assist with daily routines including meals, schoolwork, recreation, hygiene, and bedtime.
• Engage youth in therapeutic and recreational activities to promote development.
• Build safe, trusting relationships using empathy, consistency, and respectful communication.
• Respond to potential crises using trauma-informed care and approved de-escalation techniques.
• Maintain safety and adhere to licensing standards; support family/sibling visitation as scheduled.
• Document observations and incidents per agency and DCFS requirements.
• Collaborate with foster parents and staff to implement individualized service plans.
• Participate in trainings, team meetings, and supervision.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Organizational skills

Discretion

Cultural sensitivity

Flexible hours

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate degree preferred

Job description

Description

The Role:

The Youth Care Worker plays a vital role in our Safe Haven Emergency Foster Care Program, providing day-to-day support, supervision, and care for children entering foster placement on an emergency basis. This position ensures youth are safe, supported, and welcomed into a stable, trauma-informed environment during times of transition. Youth Care Workers model positive behavior, assist with daily routines, and collaborate with foster parents and staff to meet each child’s individual needs.

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct supervision and care for youth placed in the Safe Haven Program.
• Support children with daily routines including meals, schoolwork, recreation, hygiene, and bedtime.
• Engage youth in therapeutic and recreational activities that promote social, emotional, and life skill development.
• Build safe, trusting relationships with youth through empathy, consistency, and respectful communication.
• Recognize potential crises and respond using trauma-informed care and agency-approved de-escalation techniques.
• Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all children by maintaining vigilant supervision and following DCFS licensing standards.
• Support sibling connections by assisting with family and sibling visitation as scheduled.
• Document daily observations, incidents, and interactions in accordance with agency and DCFS requirements.
• Collaborate with foster parents, supervisors, and program staff to coordinate care and implement individualized service plans.
• Participate in required trainings, team meetings, and reflective supervision.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support youth and program success.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent, 1-2 years of college education or an associate’s degree preferred.
• Experience working with youth in an educational setting, who present behavioral, educational, and emotional challenges preferred.
• Social service, advocacy, or educational experience; working with foster care or similar programs and services a plus.
• Ability to pass DCFS required criminal background check, including CANTS/SACWIS and SORS.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license with acceptable driving record; insured and reliable transportation, as the position will be split between Villages and will be involved within the communities.
• Willingness to travel within the community and to the various agency sites.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. Schedule may regularly be later mornings to evenings on weekdays and weekends depending on activities scheduled. Schedule to be finalized with the supervisor.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and staff.
• Ability to relate to the Agency staff and to the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to work in a team environment with strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment and to handle sensitive and confidential materials.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work in an alcohol, tobacco, drug, and firearm-free environment.
• Commitment to One Family Illinois philosophy and mission.

ADA STATEMENT: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. Position responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job. This position description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties requested by management. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

One Family Illinois is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment with One Family Illinois without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.