Location: Joliet, IL
Service Area: Northern Region – Will, Grundy, and Kankakee Counties
Compensation: $25.00 – $27.00/hour
At Aunt Martha's Health & Wellness, we support children and families by meeting them where they are and helping them move forward safely. Our work is rooted in equity, access, and compassion—providing early intervention and community-based support that strengthens families and protects children. If you're motivated by purpose-driven work and want to make a direct impact in your community, this role offers meaningful, hands-on experience with real outcomes.
Position SummaryThe Community Connections Specialist plays a key role within the Child Welfare Services (CWS) Referral Program, supporting child safety, family stability, and long-term well-being. This position focuses on prevention and early intervention by working directly with families in their homes and connecting them to appropriate community resources.
This position requires weekly in-home visits throughout the Northern Region, serving Will, Grundy, and Kankakee Counties.
Key ResponsibilitiesConduct weekly in-home visits to assess child safety, family needs, and risk factors.
Apply critical thinking and a solution-focused approach to help families overcome challenges.
Connect families to community-based resources, including:
Parenting education and support services
Short-term in-home assistance
Medical and behavioral health care
Additional services tailored to each family's needs
Promote protective factors and reinforce family strengths to reduce risk.
Maintain timely, accurate case documentation and reports.
Collaborate with internal teams, DCFS partners, and community service providers.
Advocate for families while supporting child safety and family preservation.
Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related Human Services field is required.
This position requires a qualifying Bachelor's degree; a Master's degree is not required.
One (1) or more years of experience working with children, families, or high-need populations preferred.
Experience with trauma-informed care, mental health, substance use, or domestic violence is preferred.
Familiarity with community resources and service networks preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic case documentation systems.
Ability to build rapport with families while utilizing a strengths-based, solution-focused approach.
Valid driver's license.
Reliable personal vehicle.
Current auto insurance.
Clean driving record.
Ability to travel throughout Will, Grundy, and Kankakee Counties for in-home visits.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
$25.00 – $27.00/hour, based on experience
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Life and disability insurance
Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
401(k) retirement plan
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee discount programs
Professional development and growth opportunities
At Aunt Martha's, you'll become part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to strengthening children, families, and communities. You'll work alongside passionate professionals, build meaningful relationships with families, and make a lasting impact through prevention, advocacy, and community-based support.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related Human Services field
- One or more years of experience working with children, families, or high-need populations
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic case documentation systems
- Valid driver's license
- Reliable personal vehicle
- Current auto insurance
- Clean driving record
- Ability to travel throughout Will, Grundy, and Kankakee Counties for in-home visits
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed
- Experience with trauma-informed care, mental health, substance use, or domestic violence
- Familiarity with community resources and service networks
What We Do
Aunt Martha’s is a family of more than 550 staff and volunteers. We are health care providers, social workers, educators, counselors, and advocates. We are as diverse as the people and communities we serve. We are parents who know what it is to have a sick, hurting or scared child. We have relied on the help of others to overcome our own challenges. We honor people’s strengths, resourcefulness and resilience. We offer compassion. We provide supportive, professional care. We are a team – skilled and specialized. From the psychiatrist treating children in downstate Illinois, to the dental hygienist caring for a homeless person in Kane County; and from the therapist helping a youth in crisis on the streets of Chicago, to the doctor delivering a baby in Kankakee. Our staff are the best and the brightest in the field. We are all Care Coordinators – intensely dedicated to our patients and clients, connecting each person with exactly what they need, from the services our organization provides to the specialized care offered by our collaborating partners. We are Aunt Martha’s.
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