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.

Foster Care Specialist

Job Description