Child Welfare Specialist Supervisor (Foster Care)

Who we are

Lawrence Hall is a Chicago-based nonprofit social services agency that provides therapeutic, wellness, and skill development services to youth, families, and neighborhoods affected by lasting trauma. We foster healing and growth through empowerment, respect, safety, and teamwork.

Our Foster Care program supports DCFS-referred youth ages 0–21, helping them connect with safe homes and achieve educational, vocational, and permanency goals.

About the Role

As a Child Welfare Specialist Supervisor, you will guide and support a team of case managers who work directly with youth and families. You will provide mentorship, supervision, and hands-on support, ensuring high-quality services and adherence to child welfare standards. In this role, you will influence outcomes for young people while fostering professional growth among your team.

You'll act as a trusted resource for case managers, assist with complex case decisions, and represent your team in court or administrative reviews when needed. This is a dynamic, mission-driven role requiring flexibility, trauma-informed leadership, and a commitment to youth and family success.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintains accountability to the juvenile court, D.C.F.S., and to the agency for case work services rendered to young people and their families
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Child Welfare Specialists to ensure high-quality casework
• Carry a caseload when necessary and provide direct support to youth and families
• Review and approve case documentation, reports, and Medicaid compliance activities
• Support staff in applying trauma-informed practices, including the 5 S's of trauma (Safety, Self-Regulation, Supportive, Strengths, Self-Care)
• Represent case managers and the agency in court hearings and administrative case reviews
• Participate in leadership team meetings, contributing to agency planning and continuous improvement

Who we're looking for

Required:

• Master's degree in Social Work or related human services field
• Minimum of 2 years of experience supervising staff in a child welfare or human services setting
• Valid Illinois driver's license and personal vehicle or access to vehicle and proof of insurance
• Ability to pass background checks and meet child abuse/neglect clearance standards

Preferred:

• LCSW/LCPC preferred
• Child Welfare Employee Licensure (CWEL), CERAP, and SACWIS/Office Automation Training
• Experience with DCFS regulations and foster care practices
• Knowledge of strength-based and trauma-informed approaches

Work Schedule & Additional Information

This position is based out of our Stewart campus (400 W 76th Street, Chicago, IL 60620). Monday–Friday, with flexible hours and on-call responsibilities. Field-based work with frequent travel across Chicago-area foster homes. Participation in training and supervision meetings as scheduled

• Salary: $67,800–$71,000/year, based on experience.
• Average of 17–25 days PTO + 9 holidays
• Medical insurance - HMO and PPO options
• Dental insurance - HMO and PPO options
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 5% employer match and auto-vesting
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Medical and Dependent Care
• Pre-tax Commuter benefits - Parking and Transit
• 100% employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Children
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 100% employer- paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free counseling and life resources
• Wellness Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral Bonus up to $1,500
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for licensed employees
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

How to Apply

Submit your resume here. We look forward to learning more about you!

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the necessary skills and abilities. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not have experience in all areas of essential functions. We look forward to your application.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

Following job offer acceptance, all new hires are required to complete a background check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Individuals who have lived outside of Illinois may also be subject to out-of-state checks, which can take up to eight weeks to process. While these checks are pending, candidates should continue completing all other pre-boarding requirements. Employment may begin once all pre-boarding steps are complete and DCFS clearance has been received.