Post job

Casework specialist vs foster care worker

The differences between casework specialists and foster care workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a casework specialist and a foster care worker. Additionally, a foster care worker has an average salary of $46,037, which is higher than the $40,044 average annual salary of a casework specialist.

The top three skills for a casework specialist include social work, vulnerable adults and social services. The most important skills for a foster care worker are foster care, social work, and child abuse.

Casework specialist vs foster care worker overview

Casework SpecialistFoster Care Worker
Yearly salary$40,044$46,037
Hourly rate$19.25$22.13
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs33,160151,625
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

What does a casework specialist do?

A Casework Specialist advises the public about how to maintain the well-being of their children and family life. They work for schools, social services agencies, healthcare facilities, or government departments.

What does a foster care worker do?

A Foster Care Worker helps improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families as well as increases the family's well-being and the academic functioning of children. They counsel families about issues regarding their child's care and develop healthy living situations.

Casework specialist vs foster care worker salary

Casework specialists and foster care workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Casework SpecialistFoster Care Worker
Average salary$40,044$46,037
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $53,000Between $32,000 And $65,000
Highest paying City-Baltimore, MD
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-Riverview Health
Best paying industry-Construction

Differences between casework specialist and foster care worker education

There are a few differences between a casework specialist and a foster care worker in terms of educational background:

Casework SpecialistFoster Care Worker
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorSocial WorkSocial Work
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaBoston University

Casework specialist vs foster care worker demographics

Here are the differences between casework specialists' and foster care workers' demographics:

Casework SpecialistFoster Care Worker
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 23.4% Female, 76.6%Male, 20.1% Female, 79.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%Black or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between casework specialist and foster care worker duties and responsibilities

Casework specialist example responsibilities.

  • Provide comprehensive case management to DCFS clients and their families to achieve case goals as outlined in the client service plan.
  • Review applicant documentation to determine eligibility for state and federal aid programs, including Medicaid, food stamps and emergency assistance.
  • Participate in transition educational meetings IEP.

Foster care worker example responsibilities.

  • Conduct unscheduled regular school visits to attain records of attendance, suspensions, IEP, and treatment plans.
  • Manage to write progress note, complete FASP's and input information on PROMIS on a timely manner.
  • Manage caseload of 18 23 children and adolescents in DSS custody due to abuse, neglect and criminal activity.
  • Manage a caseload of families with children in DSS custody awaiting return home to family of origin base upon progress make.
  • Lead presentation and training sessions to community and inter-agency groups.
  • Help children/youth in state custody achieve permanency whether through reintegration, adoption or custodianship.
  • Show more

Casework specialist vs foster care worker skills

Common casework specialist skills
  • Social Work, 47%
  • Vulnerable Adults, 16%
  • Social Services, 15%
  • Protective Services, 11%
  • Child Abuse, 2%
  • Mental Health, 1%
Common foster care worker skills
  • Foster Care, 26%
  • Social Work, 19%
  • Child Abuse, 7%
  • Social Services, 6%
  • Foster Children, 5%
  • Community Resources, 4%

Browse community and social services jobs