Child Welfare Specialist (Foster Care)

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.

One of our cornerstone programs is Foster Care, which connects DCFS-referred youth ages 0 – 21 with safe, nurturing homes and the comprehensive services they need to thrive. Whether supporting Traditional, Specialized, or Adolescent Foster Care, our staff work alongside foster families and caregivers to help young people reach permanency - whether that ' s reunification with their birth family or a long-term alternative caregiver.

About the Role

Be the steady presence a young person needs as they navigate foster care. As a Foster Care Child Welfare Specialist, you ' ll provide hands-on support to youth in care, coordinate services, and partner with birth families and foster caregivers to build strong, stable futures. You ' ll work as part of a trauma-informed, mission-driven team focused on long-term permanency and family reunification whenever possible.

In this field-based role, you ' ll visit homes across Cook and surrounding counties to ensure each child receives consistent care, support, and connection. It ' s meaningful, complex work , and no two days are ever the same.

As a Child Welfare Specialist, you will :

• Provide case management for youth in foster care and their families, including placement, visitation, and permanency planning
• Conduct in-home visits to monitor and support foster caregivers
• Attend court hearings and administrative case reviews to report on case progress
• Collaborate with educators, service providers, and legal professionals
• Maintain accurate and timely case documentation, reports, and service plans
• Support foster parents and engage birth families in reunification efforts
• Participate in on-call rotation and attend regular supervision
• Practice trauma-informed care principles in all interactions

Who we ' re looking for

Required :

Preferred :

Additional Information

This position is based out of our Stewart campus (400 W 76th Street, Chicago, IL 60620). This is a field-based role with frequent travel across the Chicago area. Typical hours are Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, with occasional evenings and on-call rotation.

Compensation and Benefits

How to Apply

Submit your application here . We look forward to learning more about you!

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.