Foster Care Caseworker

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families, and we're still a strong, viable presence in the State of Illinois, continuing that commitment to making a difference. 

Make a positive impact that can last for generations as a Foster Care Caseworker at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, an organization that has established a strong legacy of commitment and compassion. At-risk children and their families are counting on you to provide the full range of foster care and/or adoption services according to state procedures, COA standards, LSSI policies, and best practices.

 Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provision of direct services to children and families to facilitate timely permanency outcomes for children with their family of origin, extended family, or foster/adoptive family according to the policies and practices of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, and the Council on Accreditation.
• Monitoring of services to clients by external providers (includes medical, mental health, educational, mentoring, etc. services), including regular communication with providers and collection of reports to document progress and identified problems with service provision.
• Attending/participating in all scheduled court hearings well prepared to testify in an effective manner that communicates the essential facts and features of the cases.
• In-person contact with children, biological parents, foster/relative care providers as required.
• Monitoring parent-child interactions as required.
• Completion/submission, in a timely manner, of all required contact notes, service plans, court reports, and other documentation required by DCFS and LSSI.
• Performing all tasks required by the written client service plan, based upon the comprehensive integrated assessment, engaging children and families in the process.

 Qualifications:

In addition to a real passion for working with at-risk children and families, this opportunity requires:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related human services field, a valid driver’s license
• Proof of automobile liability insurance and access to transportation for home visits, meetings, and client transportation
• The ability to pass and obtain State licensing required by Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. If you do not possess a Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL) upon hire, LSSI will work with you to obtain it.
• Child welfare experience is preferred. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Benefits and Perks:

Come be a part of this rewarding environment, and enjoy the knowledge that you’re helping others live better lives, as well as these career advantages:

• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience and licensure
• CWEL sign-on BONUS if you possess a valid CWEL upon hire!
• Monetary Incentive rewards
• Opportunity for advancement
• Comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 10 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours
• The training you need to learn, grow, and succeed
• The opportunity to become a part of a fantastic team of Child Welfare professionals! 

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, any other characteristic protected by law.