Child Welfare Specialist Supervisor; Foster Care

Child Welfare Specialist Supervisor (Foster Care)

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

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. 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.

• Maintain accountability to the juvenile court, D.C.F.S., and 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.

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 a vehicle with proof of insurance.
• Ability to pass background checks and meet child abuse/neglect clearance standards.

Preferred:

• LCSW/LCPC.
• 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.

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 the Chicago‑area foster homes. Participation in training and supervision meetings as scheduled.

• Salary: $67,800‑$71,000 per year, based on experience.
• Average of 17‑25 days PTO + 9 holidays.
• Medical insurance – HMO and PPO options.
• Dental and vision insurance – HMO and PPO options.
• 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).
• Wellness reimbursement program.
• Employee referral bonus up to $1,500.
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for licensed employees.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for exempt status.