Foster Care Specialist

Foster Care Specialist (Hybrid) Chicago, IL Full-Time | Hybrid This is a field-based, hybrid position. You must live in Illinois and be able to travel throughout the Chicagoland area to provide in-person services to youth and families in home and community settings. Make a Real Impact with Youth and Families Across Chicago Kaleidoscope is a child and family services agency dedicated to helping young people heal, grow, and thrive. Our work is grounded in compassion, respect, and genuine partnership with youth, caregivers, and community partners. Through individualized, community-based services, we strengthen family systems and promote safety, stability, and permanency. We are seeking a Foster Care Specialist to join our dedicated, mission-driven team supporting youth and families involved in the child welfare system. About the Role The Foster Care Specialist provides comprehensive, community-based case management services to children, youth, and their biological and foster families. This role is focused on ensuring safety, well-being, and permanency outcomes through assessment, service coordination, family engagement, and system collaboration. This is a highly collaborative role that requires strong relationship-building, critical thinking, and advocacy skills across multiple systems, including DCFS, courts, schools, and healthcare providers. What You'll Do 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 Provide guidance, resources, and referrals to biological and foster parents to support stability and family reunification Support foster parents in providing safe, nurturing, and therapeutic care for youth Coordinate and attend key meetings, including Administrative Case Reviews (ACRs), CFTMs, school meetings, and court hearings Collaborate with DCFS, courts, medical providers, schools, and other community partners 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 Schedule Full-time (40 hours/week) Schedule based on the needs of families (may include evenings and weekends) Hybrid role with a combination of community-based and remote work What You Need 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 What It's Like to Work Here Kaleidoscope is a supportive, mission-driven organization. Our work is guided by shared values that shape how we show up for youth, families, and each other: Lead with empathy and non-judgment Practice self-awareness Name power imbalances and structural limitations Center youth, caregiver, and team voice and choice Demonstrate flexibility and resourcefulness Balance healthy boundaries with authentic relationships Stay connected to purpose Prioritize self-care Commit to critical thinking and curiosity Celebrate strengths and successes Why You'll Love This Role 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 Equal Employment Opportunity Kaleidoscope Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Inclusive/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.