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Parent Partner Dcfs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Children's Land

Center Director

Glenview, IL · On-site

$45K - $62K/yr

Ensure compliance with DCFS regulations and all local/state licensing standards. * Model and ... Parent & Community Engagement * Build strong relationships with families through daily ...

Children's Land

Center Director

Glenview, IL · On-site

$45K - $62K/yr

Ensure compliance with DCFS regulations and all local/state licensing standards. * Model and ... Parent & Community Engagement * Build strong relationships with families through daily ...

CARTER KIDZ LEARNING CENTER, INC.

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Assistant Director

Munster, IL · On-site

$20.50 - $23.50/hr

Meet Illinois DCFS qualifications for an Assistant Director. * Active Illinois Gateway Registry ... Address parent questions, concerns, and feedback promptly and professionally. * Support parent ...

THE GREEN BEAN LLC

Preschool Lead Teacher

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40K - $45K/yr

Collaboration with parents, teachers and students. * Documentation of the child's explorations and ... We see ourselves as teachers, caregivers and, above all, partners dedicated to working with ...

CARTER KIDZ LEARNING CENTER, INC.

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Assistant Director

Calumet City, IL · On-site

$20.50 - $23.50/hr

Meet Illinois DCFS qualifications for an Assistant Director. * Active Illinois Gateway Registry ... Address parent questions, concerns, and feedback promptly and professionally. * Support parent ...

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How much do parent partner dcfs jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for parent partner dcfs in the United States is $20.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a parent partner in DCFS?

Parent Partners in the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) are individuals who have personal experience navigating the child welfare system, often as parents who have successfully reunified with their children. They use their lived experience to mentor, support, and guide other parents currently involved with DCFS. Parent Partners help families understand the child welfare process, provide emotional support, and assist with accessing resources, aiming to improve family outcomes and reduce the trauma of system involvement.

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

To thrive as a Parent Partner in DCFS, you typically need lived experience with the child welfare system, strong advocacy skills, and knowledge of family support resources. Familiarity with case management databases and completion of specialized training programs, such as trauma-informed care, are often required. Outstanding communication, empathy, and cultural sensitivity enable Parent Partners to build trust and effectively support families navigating the system. These skills and qualifications are crucial for empowering parents and promoting positive outcomes for families involved with child welfare services.

What is the difference between Parent Partner Dcfs vs Child Welfare Specialist?

AspectParent Partner DcfsChild Welfare Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, experience in child advocacy or social servicesRequires a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related field; licensure may be preferred
Work EnvironmentCommunity-based, collaborative with families, courts, and agenciesOffice and fieldwork, assessing cases, and working directly with children and families
Employer & IndustryChild welfare agencies, non-profits, government programsChild protective services, social service agencies, government departments

Parent Partner Dcfs and Child Welfare Specialists both work within child welfare but differ in credentials and daily tasks. Parent Partners focus on family advocacy and support, often with less formal education, while Child Welfare Specialists typically hold degrees and conduct assessments. Both roles aim to protect children and support families, but their methods and qualifications vary.

What are some common challenges parent partners face when collaborating with DCFS caseworkers and families?

Parent Partners often encounter challenges such as balancing the perspectives of families with the requirements and protocols of DCFS caseworkers. Building trust with parents who may feel overwhelmed or distrustful of the child welfare system can take time and patience. Additionally, Parent Partners must maintain professional boundaries while providing empathetic peer support, and they frequently act as mediators to encourage open communication and understanding between all parties involved. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a deep commitment to advocacy and family engagement.
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Parent Partner Dcfs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Parent Partner Dcfs job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,866 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Child Welfare Specialist/Child Welfare Specialist Bilingual

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois

Joliet, IL • On-site

$57K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois
Effective Date: March 1, 2024
NON-MANAGEMENT JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Child Welfare Specialist
Exempt/Non-exempt: EXEMPT
Immediate Supervisor: Program Manager
Compensation Range: $57,079 - $60,079
Benefits: Click Here to view LCFS' Full-Time Employee Benefits.
Lutheran Child and Family Services (LCFS) is seeking dedicated Child Welfare Specialists who are passionate about protecting children, strengthening families, and promoting positive outcomes for youth in care.
We are currently hiring both English-speaking and English/Spanish-speaking professionals.
Bilingual Compensation Differential
Employees who are bilingual(Spanish/English) and provide Human Resources with the official Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) email confirmation indicating they have successfully passed the DCFS Burgos Test within thirty (30) days of hire will receive an additional $2,000 added to their base salary. This salary adjustment is contingent upon timely submission of the required documentation and verification by Human Resources.
Essential Functions:
  1. Primarily responsible for overseeing children and families assigned to Lutheran Child and Family Services for providing child welfare services which includes monitoring the child's well-being, the birth parents progress towards reunification, facilitating home visits and communicating appropriate information to foster families in their efforts to assist the child and birth parents. Transport child and parents at times in own vehicle. May work evening and some weekends in order to complete tasks. May travel to high-risk communities. Provide on-call services as assigned.
  2. Exercises discretion and sound judgment in performance of duties in conformance with applicable policies, procedures, statutes, rules and regulations.
  3. Implementation and referral of individualized and targeted services for youth and families, such as counseling, respite, mentoring, educational support, case management, crisis intervention, and continual language to services to meet the specialize needs of children/families.
  4. Collaborate regularly with multi-disciplinary teams and partners for continuous quality improvement, interventions, service delivery and the achievement of program outcomes.
  5. Actively participate in System of Care including the regular participation in clinical and medical staffing's and level of care.
  6. Actively participate in regular supervision, mediation, problem resolution, and crisis response by effectively responding to parent, child, provider and other stakeholder concerns and demonstrating the ability to effectively manage crisis and difficult case situations. (This includes on-call support.)
  7. Assesses and maintains knowledge of child welfare and population specific laws, policies and trends for recommending program adjustments and implementation that aides program effectiveness, children, families and communities.
  8. Achieve organizational performance outcomes on Key performance indicators metrics/dashboard towards safety, permanency, well-being and overall agency performance outcomes
  9. Represents clients' needs and Agency interest to referral sources, DCFS, the judicial system and governmental agencies.
  10. Continuously assesses the child's needs related to safety, education, medical and social and psychological well-being. Prepares accurate, timely required written, and verbal reports to the court and collateral contact information as appropriate upholding all consents and confidentiality issues. Handles all crisis situation and client complains with sensitivity and consults with supervisory chain when appropriate to resolve the matter.
  11. Complies with all requirements regarding utilization of the DCFS electronic record-keeping system (SACWIS). Prepares written service plans for each client as required by DCFS contract. Maintains up-to-date and accurate client files and databases, as required by agency/programmatic policies and procedures, professional standards, and external requirements of all relevant, regulatory, licensing, or accrediting body's. Implements, continuous quality improvement in all aspects of performance.
  12. Engages the child, the birth parents, and the foster parents in competently assessing the dynamics of the relationships and establishes a therapeutic alliance. Teaches effective parenting skills specific to the needs of the child and family.
  13. Maintains knowledge of community resources and coordinates appropriate referrals and follow up as needed and required for child, birth, parents, and foster parents. Establishes collaborative relationships with agency team members such as Case Aide, other child, welfare, specialists, service, providers, and institutions.
  14. Provides a welcoming and receptive environment in all contacts with clients, agency, staff and collateral contacts. Develops understanding and continuously develops self-awareness related to diversity, inclusion, and equity issues.
  15. Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Ability Requirements:
  • Ability to drive one's own vehicle and transport children, youth, and adults as needed.
  • In-depth knowledge of child welfare systems, regulations, and best practices.
  • Strong case management skills, including assessments, service planning, and progress monitoring.
  • Ability to advocate for children's rights and best interests within the child welfare system.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective interaction with families, children, professionals, and agencies.
  • Ability to provide crisis intervention and support to children and families facing challenging circumstances.

Background and Driving Requirements:
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required background checks, including but not limited to criminal background checks and CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System) checks, as required by law and agency policy. Candidates must also possess a reliable vehicle and have a valid driver's license and must not have had a suspended or revoked driver's license within the past three years.
Education and Experience:
Bachelors in a related human service field with 1 year of related experience in child welfare, case management, or a related role, with a demonstrated track record of expertise in specialized child and family services. A Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL) in IL is required. (Proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in English and Spanish preferred.)
Physical Demands and Other Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties listed in the job description satisfactorily. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, or controls; reach with hands and arms. Capable of operating standard office equipment, including a computer and keyboard, calculator, typical business machines such as a fax machine and copier. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to have valid driver's license, auto insurance and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. The work environment characteristics include a noise level which is usually low to moderate.
Position Responsibilities/Program Execution and Decision Making:
  • Diversity and Inclusion/ Professionalism: In all aspects of their work presents as a role model to others, behaving in a way which actively supports LCFS as a welcoming community, promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace and collaborates with others to further equity and dismantle barriers to a more inclusive experience of community. Participates in annual professional development and/or advocacy regarding inclusion.
  • Ethical Conduct: Follows all ethics policies and procedures related to program execution and decision making as defined by the agency as well as any related professional licensing, regulatory or accrediting body. Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information. Reports any known or suspected breaches of confidentiality in accordance with policy. Reports possible misconduct or relevant errors/ oversight in a timely manner and responsibly addresses related issues with chain of command.
  • Communication/ Interpersonal Skills: Consistently conveys clear, accurate, timely, and respectful communication appropriate for the situation. Informs appropriate management staff when incident occurs or a crisis situation. Maintains professional boundaries with clients/residents, staff, interns, volunteers, and vendors. Able to successfully share skills and concepts with others and works effectively with others under time and environmental pressures.
  • Safety and Agency Resource Utilization: Demonstrates sound judgement and foresight in safety awareness and in daily work. Notifies, in a timely manner, the supervisory chain of any incidents or circumstances that need attention. Report all suspicions or allegations of abuse immediately to their supervisor. Ensures appropriate utilization of materials and resources and minimizes waste.
  • Other Responsibilities: All other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

LCFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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