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Welfare Jobs (NOW HIRING)

STI

Child Welfare Specialist

Durham, NC · On-site

County Child Welfare Readiness Liaison Durham, NC 12+ Months IMPORTANT NOTE: Extensive statewide travel up to 90% of the time is required in the performance of the work for this position. Travel may ...

STI

Child Welfare Specialist

Durham, NC · On-site

Client seeks contract resources to prepare and provide support for County Child Welfare staff during the implementation of the statewide Child Welfare Information system (CWIS). This is NOT a Desktop ...

One Family Illinois

Child Welfare Specialist

Lockport, IL · Hybrid

$54K - $55K/yr

Advise and consult with the Client, Foster Parent and Child Welfare Supervisor to ensure adequate understanding of the case dynamics and the needs of the Client. Coordinate effectively with DCFS and ...

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Welfare information

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$23K

$43.2K

$108K

How much do welfare jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for welfare in the United States is $43,208.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,000.00 and $43,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a welfare officer?

To thrive as a Welfare Officer, you need a background in social work, counseling, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with case management systems, safeguarding protocols, and government welfare regulations is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and problem-solving abilities help build trust and effectively support clients in need. These skills are crucial to ensure vulnerable individuals receive appropriate assistance and advocacy within social service frameworks.

What challenges do welfare case workers face and how can they manage them?

Welfare case workers often encounter challenges such as high caseloads, emotionally demanding situations, and navigating complex regulations. To manage these, professionals typically rely on strong organizational skills, ongoing training, and teamwork to share insights and resources. Regular supervision and peer support groups can provide guidance and reduce stress, while staying updated on policy changes helps ensure effective client advocacy and compliance with requirements.

What is the difference between Welfare vs Social Worker?

AspectWelfareSocial Worker
Required CredentialsVaries; often no formal degree, but certifications may be preferredBachelor's or Master's degree in social work or related field
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, community organizations, non-profitsHospitals, schools, government agencies, non-profits
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly for social support programsUsed for professionals providing direct client services
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in social supportClarifying professional responsibilities and qualifications

Welfare generally refers to programs or services aimed at providing social support, often managed by government agencies. Social workers are trained professionals who deliver these services directly to clients, offering counseling, advocacy, and resource coordination. While welfare programs focus on the support system, social workers are the practitioners implementing and managing these services.

What is a welfare worker?

Welfare workers, often known as social workers or welfare officers, are professionals who support individuals and families in need by connecting them with resources and services. Their duties include assessing clients' situations, providing counseling, and helping with access to benefits such as housing, healthcare, and financial assistance. They work in various settings like government agencies, non-profits, and community organizations to advocate for clients and ensure their well-being. Welfare workers also collaborate with other professionals to develop support plans tailored to each person's needs.
More about Welfare jobs

What cities are hiring for Welfare jobs?

Cities with the most Welfare job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Welfare jobs?

The most popular types of Welfare jobs are:

What states have the most Welfare jobs?

States with the most job openings for Welfare jobs include:

Welfare jobs near you
Infographic showing various Welfare job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,208 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Child Welfare Specialist

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois

Decatur, IL

$57K - $60K/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois
What We Do

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois improves the well-being of people across the state by protecting children, strengthening families and building futures for those who have experienced trauma. We do this as a leading provider of a variety of child welfare services. LCFS is a welcoming organization serving children, individuals, families and communities of all faiths, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender expressions and gender-identifications.

Who We Are
  • Champions in supporting children, youth and families throughout Illinois so they are able to reach their full potential.
  • Dynamic and innovative leadership who believe in collaboration with their team of professionals and are revolutionizing the impact on services to families.
  • A community which embraces and is committed to being WIDE (welcoming, inclusive, diverse and equitable).
  • Impacting the child welfare community by addressing institutional racism and implicit bias to increase positive outcomes for children and families of color.
  • Creating a culture focused on supporting families and ensuring all children find safe, loving permanent homes, particularly by reuniting them with their families.
Join the team of professionals providing excellent care to children and families!
    • Child Welfare Specialist
  1. Implements client service plan and evaluate progress, with regular supervision of the Specialized Foster Care Supervisor.
  2. Develops a working knowledge of community resources which is used in serving clients.
  3. Represents clients’ needs and Agency interest to referral sources, DCFS, the judicial system and governmental agencies.
  4. Attends all court dates, ACR’s and other staffing on behalf of the client.
  5. Meets with supervisor weekly for supervision of caseload.
  6. Performs the required duties of the position within the philosophy, policies and procedures of the agency.
  7. Manages time and workload effectively, including the timely completion of all necessary paperwork including
  8. statistics.
  9. Assumes responsibility for professional development by attending trainings within and outside the agency.
  10. Works effectively with the child welfare team including the supervisor, counselors, other case workers, and aids.
  11. Develops effective working relationships with Foster Parents, Biological Parents and other important people in the child’s life.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

1.Demonstrate understanding of the line of authority within the Agency.

2. Demonstrate understanding of the purpose of the caseworker position in relation to the other team members of the Foster Care staff.

3. Demonstrate good writing skills for case notes and documents concerning records of the clients.

4. Demonstrate the ability to relate well to a wide variety of personalities.

5. Demonstrate cultural competency.

6. Keeps information confidential.

7. Demonstrate good organizational skills to keep files in order.

8. Demonstrate the willingness to take training and supervision well.

9. Demonstrate good communication skills to work effectively as part of the team.

10. Demonstrate a positive, supportive attitude in relating to staff and clients.

11. Demonstrate the ability to be open and accepting of other’s ethnicities, races and genders.

EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Child Welfare Specialist I: Entry level-Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field

Child Welfare Specialist II: MSW or related graduate degree (refer to DCFS Policy) or Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years of Child Welfare Experience

Child Welfare Specialist III: MSW or related graduate degree with 5 years of related experience or Bachelor’s Degree with 7 years of related experience.

All employees must enroll, successfully complete foundations training, and become licensed as a Child Welfare Specialist. Valid Illinois Driver’s License and auto insurance required.

PHYSICAL AND SPECIAL DEMANDS
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. Objects include 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 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may work in and/or visit Agency offices throughout Illinois and must be able to transport him/herself to these sites. The employee is required to have a valid driver’s license and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle.
LCFS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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