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 aren't just a manager-you are a clinical mentor, a strategic lead, and a shield for the front-line staff doing the hardest work in the city. We are looking for a leader who excels provides high support and high accountability - someone who can provide the psychological safety staff need to navigate intense secondary trauma, while ensuring every court report and case file is bulletproof and DCFS-compliant.

In this role, you are the 'calm in the storm.' You will guide your team through high-stakes case decisions, foster their professional growth, and represent Lawrence Hall in court and administrative reviews. This is a dynamic, mission-driven leadership position for someone who is as passionate about developing staff as they are about achieving permanency and success for youth and families.

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
• Provide proactive 'wellness checks' and clinical debriefs for staff handling high-acuity crisis cases.
• Directly manage staff performance through coaching, clear documentation, and a focus on professional development
• 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
• Strong crisis management & conflict resolution skills
• 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

Our work is community-based and happens where our families are. We provide deep training and a supportive team - and we are looking for people with the grit and emotional resilience to thrive in a non-traditional environment.

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

Compensation, Benefits & Perks We care about the well-being of our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that includes:

• 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 application 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.