Intact Family Specialist

Chicago, IL

Full-Time | Exempt | Community-Based / Hybrid

This is a field-based, hybrid position. You must live in Illinois and be able to travel throughout the Chicagoland area to provide in-person services to children, youth, and families in homes, schools, courts, and community settings.

Make a Real Impact with Youth and Families Across Chicago

Kaleidoscope is a child and family services agency dedicated to helping children, youth, and families thrive. Through trauma-informed, family-centered services, we partner with caregivers and communities to promote safety, well-being, stability, and long-term success.

We are seeking a Full-Time Intact Family Services (IFS) Specialist to join our collaborative and mission-driven team.

About the Role

The Intact Family Services (IFS) Specialist provides community- and home-based case management services to families involved with the child welfare system. The IFS Specialist works closely with children, caregivers, DCFS, schools, courts, and community providers to support family preservation, strengthen protective factors, and promote positive outcomes related to safety, well-being, and permanency.

What You'll Do

• Provide community- and home-based case management services to assigned families
• Respond promptly to new referrals and participate in supervisory hand-offs and transitional visits
• Conduct comprehensive initial and ongoing assessments of family strengths, needs, and risks
• Collaborate with families and professional team members to develop, review, and update service plans
• Monitor child safety and well-being through regular face-to-face visits in homes and community settings
• Prepare for and attend school meetings, court hearings, family team meetings, and other required staffing events
• Communicate and collaborate with DCFS, service providers, caregivers, and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated care
• Support parents and caregivers in providing safe, stable, and nurturing home environments
• Connect families to community resources and monitor follow-through on referrals
• Maintain complete and accurate case records, including required documentation and service activity notes
• Demonstrate working knowledge of IFS Program Plan requirements, COA standards, and DCFS policies and procedures
• Participate in supervision, consultation, professional development, and agency quality improvement activities
• Complete additional duties as assigned by the IFS Team Supervisor

Schedule & Work Environment

• Full-time, flexible schedule
• Work hours are based on the needs of children and families and may include evenings and weekends
• Combination of community-based work, home visits, court attendance, and professional office environment
• Extensive travel throughout the Chicagoland area required

What You Need

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related social service field required
• Master's degree preferred
• Social service experience required based on degree level:
  • BSW: Minimum 2 years of social service experience
  • Bachelor's in related field: Minimum 3 years of social service experience
  • MSW: Minimum 1 year of social service experience
  • Master's in related field: Minimum 2 years of social service experience

Preferred Qualifications

• LCSW or LCPC preferred, but not required

Additional Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain CWEL, CANS, CERAP, and other required Illinois certifications
• Strong interpersonal, written, verbal, and time management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook
• Valid driver's license and daily access to a minimally insured, reliable vehicle
• Ability to pass a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong communication with supervisors and team members

What It's Like to Work at Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope is a supportive, mission-driven organization guided by shared values that shape how we serve youth, families, and one another:

• Lead with empathy and non-judgment
• Practice self-awareness
• Name power imbalances and structural limitations
• Center youth and caregiver voice and choice
• Demonstrate flexibility and resourcefulness
• Balance healthy boundaries with authentic relationships
• Stay connected to purpose
• Prioritize self-care
• Commit to critical thinking and curiosity
• Celebrate strengths and successes

Why You'll Love This Role

• Opportunity to make a direct impact on child safety and family stability
• Meaningful work focused on family preservation and strengthening caregiver capacity
• Supportive supervision and collaborative team environment
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• Flexible scheduling to support the needs of families served
• Mission-driven work that creates lasting change in the lives of children and caregivers

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kaleidoscope Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Inclusive/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.