Foster Care Caseworker

Join Our Team & Make a Lasting Impact in Foster Care!

$1,500 sign-on bonus for individuals without a CWEL.

$3,500 sign-on bonus for individuals with a CWEL.

Are you passionate about supporting children and families? We’re looking for compassionate, dedicated professionals to join our team and help create positive, lasting change in the lives of youth in foster care.

Position Summary:

The Foster Care Caseworker manages a caseload of children in placement, ensuring their safety, well-being, and progress toward permanency goals. This role involves working closely with children, their families, foster caregivers, and community partners to implement and monitor individualized service plans. This position is aligned with our Princeton office, but will cover cases primarily in the Ottawa area.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field

Child Welfare Employee License preferred but not required

Minimum of two years of relevant human services experience

Successful completion of required licensing exams during employment

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access) and general computer skills

Strong cultural awareness, sensitivity, and ability to work effectively with diverse populations

• Key Responsibilities:
• Direct Services – Child in Placement

Maintain consistent contact with children based on service plans

Assess and support each child’s emotional, physical, educational, cultural, and social needs

Monitor adjustment and progress in placement, school, and community

Coordinate services through internal programs and external providers

Attend court hearings and administrative reviews as required

Family Engagement – Biological/Natural Family

Maintain regular communication with families in alignment with service plans

Conduct assessments and monitor progress toward reunification or permanency goals

Coordinate and connect families with necessary services and resources

Facilitate and support family visitation and aftercare services

Foster/Placement Family Support

Build and maintain strong relationships with foster and relative caregivers

Support caregivers in meeting the needs of the child

Monitor placement stability and progress

Provide training resources and guidance to enhance caregiver effectiveness

Documentation & Professional Collaboration

Maintain accurate, timely case documentation in compliance with agency and DCFS standards

Prepare reports and provide court testimony when required

Collaborate with service providers and advocate for the best interests of children and families

Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing evaluations

Adhere to agency policies and contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives

Core Competencies

Strong organizational and time management skills

Experience working with children and families

Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively

Self-motivated with a proactive, solution-focused approach

What We Offer:

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Fitness reimbursement

Vacation, sick time, personal time, wellness day, and paid holidays

401(k) match at 6% after 1 year of employment

Tuition assistance

If you’re ready to make a meaningful difference and be part of a supportive, mission-driven team, we encourage you to apply.

*Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley believes that all people deserve inclusivity, fairness, and justice. We believe that both the success of our team and the wellness of our community is strongest by recognizing the qualities that make each person unique, including race, gender, age, sexuality, ability, religion, national origin, gender identity and other identities. The YSB team values and respects each other and our community as we proudly serve.