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Foster Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

UCAN

Case Manager (Foster Care)

Chicago, IL

$41K - $50K/yr

Foster Case Supervisor About the Program: Foster Care (FC): is to provide safety and stability for children until they can safely return to their families. Foster parents play an essential role in ...

Lawrence Hall

Foster Care Intake Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.25 - $25.75/hr

Our staff work with foster families and caregivers to promote permanency-either reunification with birth families or long-term alternative placements.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSThe Foster Care Intake ...

Lawrence Hall

Foster Care Intake Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$53K - $60K/yr

A cornerstone program is Foster Care, supporting DCFS-referred youth ages 0-21 with safe, nurturing homes and services to help them thrive. Our staff work with foster families and caregivers to ...

Lawrence Hall

Foster Care Intake Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

A cornerstone program is Foster Care, supporting DCFS-referred youth ages 0-21 with safe, nurturing homes and services to help them thrive. Our staff work with foster families and caregivers to ...

Lawrence Hall

Foster Care Intake Specialist

Chicago, IL

$19.25 - $25.75/hr

A cornerstone program is Foster Care, supporting DCFS-referred youth ages 0-21 with safe, nurturing homes and services to help them thrive. Our staff work with foster families and caregivers to ...

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All JobsFoster JobsFoster Jobs in Chicago, IL

Foster information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$8

$22

$47

How much do foster jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for foster in Chicago, IL is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $25.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a foster parent?

Foster parents are individuals or families who provide temporary care and shelter to children who have been removed from their biological families due to safety concerns or other issues. They play a crucial role in offering a safe, stable, and nurturing environment while social services work towards reunification with the child's family or finding a permanent home. Foster parents are trained and supported by child welfare agencies and must meet specific requirements to ensure a child's well-being.

What are some common challenges faced by foster care caseworkers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Foster care caseworkers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex family dynamics, managing heavy caseloads, and addressing the emotional needs of both children and foster families. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and access to professional support resources are key to overcoming these hurdles. Building trusting relationships with foster families and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, such as therapists and educators, can also help ensure the well-being of children in the system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a foster parent, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foster Parent, you need a compassionate understanding of child development, trauma-informed care, and often must meet state licensing requirements. Familiarity with case management systems, training in CPR/first aid, and ongoing educational courses are typically necessary. Patience, resilience, strong communication, and the ability to build trust make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for providing a safe, supportive environment that fosters healing and growth for children in care.

What is the difference between Foster vs Child Care Worker?

AspectFosterChild Care Worker
CredentialsFoster parents typically need training and licensing, but not formal certificationsChild care workers often require certifications or training in early childhood education
Work EnvironmentFoster homes or agencies, providing long-term care in a family settingChild care centers, daycare facilities, or residential settings, providing daily care
Employer & IndustryFoster care agencies, government programs, non-profitsChild care centers, preschools, or private homes

Foster care involves providing a safe, nurturing environment for children in need, often through licensed agencies or homes. Child care workers focus on supervising and caring for children in educational or daycare settings. While both roles support children's well-being, foster care emphasizes long-term placement and emotional support, whereas child care workers typically provide daily supervision and early education.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Foster jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Foster job openings:

Infographic showing various Foster job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,529 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Professional Foster Parent

Chicago, IL • On-site

One Family Illinois
See more jobs at One Family Illinoisexternal

$25K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Why become a Foster Parent with One Family Illinois ? At One Family Illinois (Formerly SOS Illinois) we are committed to keeping brothers and sisters in foster care together by providing safe, stable, and loving homes. We do this by offering an innovative approach to traditional foster care. Our model of care provides a private, single-family home, access to a community center, and support from professionally trained Foster Parents and staff. With this, the children we serve benefit from the stability of remaining with their siblings as well as the support of neighboring One Family Illinois Foster Parents and the entire community.
What are our Foster Parent Benefits ?
  • Competitive Healthcare plans through BCBS for you and your dependents (eligible the first of the following month after 30 of full-time employment)
  • Vision/Dental/Life Insurance offerings
  • Flexible PTO (paid time off in the form of vacation days, sick time, personal days, and weekly Relief time)
  • Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 403b Retirement Savings Plan (nonprofit version of 401K). Able to contribute immediately upon full-time employment. In addition, the organization will contribute 4% to your savings plan after 12 months of full-time employment regardless of if you are contributing
  • Part of the federal student loan forgiveness program
  • Access to financial advisors and financial education tools
  • Tuition reimbursement options and opportunities for further education as well as time to attend trainings/workshops/etc. for personal/professional development
  • Performance reviews, coaching and mentoring
  • Corporate culture that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Employee Referral Bonuses
  • Work for an impactful organization with a purpose
  • The salaried rate ($25,000/year base salary plus bonus potential pending eligibility) is offered as part of a full benefits package for the full-time Foster Parent position that is not offered to part-time Relief Parents or Foster Parent Trainees (who are paid at an hourly rate of $16.60/hr.). It includes room and board, the opportunity to qualify for healthcare benefits (after 90 days of full-time employment), and a retirement savings plan in addition to the salary.

What does being a Foster Parent entail ?
  1. Providing a healthy, clean, safe and secure home environment for up to 6 children of any age and background.
  2. Ensuring that the children receive proper care, including medical, dental, emotional, educational, etc.
  3. Working with a team of others and acting as the primary advocate for the children in your care, including attending parental and/or sibling visits, court visits, meetings, and related conferences as required.
  4. Maintain timely and accurate records such as household budget, children's progress records, health records and periodic evaluations.
  5. Participate in on-going training and maintaining current certifications such as first aid and CPR, TCI, Med. Administration, etc.
  6. Comply with all One Family Illinois policies, state, federal, county and city laws, rules and regulations.

What qualifications are needed to become a Foster Parent with One Family Illinois ?
  • Valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and clear driving record
  • DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) background clearance
  • DCFS medical clearance
  • Must be at least 25 years of age
  • Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and staff
  • If applicable, must adhere to the policy of bringing only up to two dependents into the Village home
  • Must be willing to relocate and reside in an One Family home at one of our three Villages: Lockport Village, Chicago Village, or Roosevelt Square Village
  • Must be willing to commit to three years or more of service as a full-time, live-in professional Foster Parent
  • Must be willing and able to work in a drug, tobacco, alcohol, and firearm free environment

Requirements
What qualities are we looking for in a Foster Parent ?
  • Experienced with children, either as parents or by working with children in another environment
  • Adept at supporting the needs of behaviorally complex children with a history of mental, emotional, or physical trauma
  • Able to discipline fairly without the use of corporal punishment and willing to learn behavior-management skills
  • Skilled in managing a household and a budget
  • Self-sufficient thinkers with a collaborative spirit and positive outlook on life
  • Most importantly, people who are ready to make a full-time commitment to providing a loving, safe, and secure home for the children in their care

ADA DISCLAIMER/STATEMENT: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. Position responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job. This position description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties requested by management. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.
ONE FAMILY ILLINOIS is an equal opportunity employer. Employment, assignment, and promotion practices are carried out in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, physical handicap, social handicap, sex, age, or ancestry.
Salary Description
25,000

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