Foster Care Specialist

About the role

The Foster Care Specialist is a field-based, hybrid position requiring travel throughout the Chicagoland area to provide in-person services to youth and families in home and community settings. Kaleidoscope is a child and family services agency committed to helping young people heal, grow, and thrive through individualized, community-based services.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management services to assigned children, youth, and families, promoting safety, permanency, and well-being
• Conduct initial and ongoing assessments to identify service needs and support planning
• Develop, implement, and update individualized service and treatment plans in partnership with Child and Family Teams
• Maintain consistent face-to-face contact with youth and families in home and community settings to monitor safety and progress
• Guide, resource, and refer biological and foster parents to support stability and family reunification
• Collaborate with DCFS, courts, schools, and healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care
• Monitor foster home licensing compliance and report concerns as needed
• Facilitate and support family visitation plans to promote connection and permanency
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including case notes, assessments, and required child welfare documentation
• Utilize knowledge of DCFS procedures, COA standards, and agency policies to ensure compliance
• Advocate for youth and family needs across systems to remove barriers and strengthen outcomes

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related human services field required
• Minimum experience:
  • Bachelor's: 2+ years in social services
  • Master's: 1+ year in social services
• LCSW or LCPC preferred (not required)
• Experience working with children, families, and/or child welfare systems
• Strong assessment, organization, and communication skills
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and family systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, etc.)
• Ability to obtain required Illinois certifications (CWEL, CANS, CERAP)
• Valid driver's license, insured vehicle, and ability to travel locally

Qualifications

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Generous paid time off and sick leave
• Flexible, hybrid work structure
• Ongoing professional development and training
• Strong supervision and team support
• Meaningful, direct impact on youth and families

Benefits

• Generous paid time off and sick leave
• Flexible, hybrid work structure
• Ongoing professional development and training
• Strong supervision and team support
• Meaningful, direct impact on youth and families

Schedule

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) role with a schedule based on the needs of families (may include evenings and weekends). The role is hybrid, combining community-based and remote work.

Pay

$50,500 - $59,720 per year