Family Case Manager, Foster Care

About the role

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is seeking a full-time Child Welfare Specialist to provide comprehensive casework services ensuring the safety and well-being of children while assisting families in meeting minimum parenting standards. This position adheres to state mandates, agency policies, and program plans.

Responsibilities

• Complete and submit required reports, documentation, and billing accurately and timely as per agency and funding source requirements.
• Participate in supervisory processes for guidance, direction, support, and approval of decision-making, assessment, service planning, and intervention.
• Present cases for staffing and conduct family-child team meetings.
• Collaborate with other service providers, schools, and healthcare facilities to promote the child's well-being.
• Assess family service needs and coordinate with community resources to address issues and prevent abuse or neglect.
• Ensure child safety and well-being during service delivery.
• Provide strength-based case management to resolve minor to moderate challenges contributing to risk to children.
• Advocate with medical or governmental institutions as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related human services field required.
• Minimum of one year of related experience required.
• State licensing/certification as required by the state of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (Child Welfare Employee License [CWEL] or equivalent).
• Completion of Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP) required.
• Training in KEEP and/or GenerationsPMTO or willingness to participate in training and certification once hired.
• Successful completion of CCS Bootcamp and Client-Centered Service Planning and Aftercare Planning Training.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate families, youth, and foster parents to engage in detailed intervention models.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong organizational and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and related software.
• Background check clearance, including criminal and CANTS background checks, required.
• Valid driver’s license, in good standing for the state of residency, required.
• Access to reliable transportation required.
• Proof of valid IL statutory minimum liability insurance coverage required.

Qualifications

• A real passion for working with at-risk children and families.
• Specialty required.
• Availability to participate in training, coaching, and certification once hired.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with data entry and record-keeping systems.
• Knowledge of child welfare laws and regulations.

Skills

• Effective communication skills.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Benefits

LSSI offers a competitive salary range of $60,000 - $67,000 annually, comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare insurance, paid time off, holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours. The position also provides on-demand flexible paydays through Dayforce Wallet, and opportunities for advancement.