Family Finding Specialist
Description
Family Finding Specialist
Location: Rockford and Grayslake, IL
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: Starting at $42,000 /year
Date Posted: 2/13/2026
About the Role
As a Family Finding Specialist, this position supports children under DCFS guardianship by researching, identifying, and locating potential placements and lifelong social connections. The Family Finding Specialist utilizes a variety of research strategies including social connections, online searches, database records, social media platforms, and other investigative tools to identify prospective supports and placement resources for youth and their families. This role plays a critical part in strengthening permanency outcomes and ensuring children have meaningful and lasting connections.
Responsibilities
• Research, identify, and locate potential relative and non-relative placement resources for youth under DCFS guardianship
• Utilize online databases, social media platforms, public records, and other research tools to identify family members and supportive connections
• Engage identified individuals to assess interest and appropriateness for placement or supportive involvement
• Collaborate with caseworkers, DCFS personnel, and treatment teams to support permanency planning efforts
• Document all search efforts, contacts, and outcomes in accordance with agency and DCFS requirements
• Maintain accurate, timely, and organized case records and documentation
• Support youth in identifying and strengthening lifelong connections
• Participate in team meetings and provide updates on search progress and permanency efforts
• Travel as needed to meet with families, youth, and community partners
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Valid driver’s license in good standing and proof of automobile insurance
• Ability to obtain a valid Illinois driver’s license within 30 days of hire if relocating from out of state
• Ability to complete a physical examination and TB (PPD) test within 30 days of hire
• Strong research, engagement, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage documentation and maintain timely records
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners
Preferred Qualifications
• CWEL license
• Experience in child welfare
• Demonstrated success in client engagement, organization, and timely documentation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams
Compensation & Benefits
Full-time Employees:
• Paid vacation days (increase with tenure)
• Separate sick leave that rolls over annually
• Up to 10 paid holidays*
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• DailyPay – access your earnings without waiting for payday*
• Training, development, and continuing education opportunities
All Employees:
• 401(k)
• Free licensure supervision
• Pet insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Perks @ Clarvida – national discounts on shopping, travel, Verizon, and entertainment
• Mileage reimbursement
• Cellphone stipend
(*Benefits may vary by state or county)
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
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Clarvida is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic.
"We encourage job seekers to be vigilant against fraudulent recruitment activities that are on the rise across the healthcare industry. Communication about legitimate Clarvida job opportunities will only come from an authorized Clarvida.com email address, from a [email protected] email, or a personal LinkedIn account that is associated with a Clarvida.com email address."
Keywords
Family Finding Specialist, Child Welfare, DCFS, Permanency Planning, Youth Services, Case Management, Illinois Careers, Clarvida Careers