CHILD PROTECTION SPECIALIST

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 58050 Opening Date: 09/08/2026 Closing Date: 09/22/2026 Agency: Department of Children and Family Services Class Title: CHILD PROTECTION SPEC - 07163 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,768 monthly; Full Range $6,460 - $9,337 monthly Job Type: Salaried Category: Full Time Number of Vacancies: 1 Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME Merit Comp Code: Work Hours : M-F 8:30am-5pm Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability :2 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs Headquarter Location :Mount Vernon - 321 A Withers Dr Work County :Jefferson Agency Contact : Supervisor : Vanessa Shaw This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position. All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal. Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered. Why Work for Illinois? Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois. Position Overview: The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Child Protection Specialist. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills and strong leadership and communication capabilities. We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois. Essential Functions: Serves as Child Protection Specialist Prepares and maintains a variety of reports, assessments, and case documentation Selects, summarizes, and presents case material for transfer to permanency caseworker or intact/prevention caseworker Determines the need for and coordinates the placement of children in substitute care facilities Attends multi-disciplinary diagnostic and technical staff conferences to assess needed services Transports clients when taking protective custody, when placing them in substitute care, and when changing placement location Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above Minimum Qualifications: Preferably requires a master’s degree in social work OR requires a master’s degree in a related human service field, in criminal justice, criminal justice administration, or law enforcement and one year of directly related professional experience; OR requires a bachelor’s degree in social work and one year of directly related professional experience; OR requires a bachelor’s degree in a related human service field, in criminal justice, criminal justice administration, or law enforcement and two years of directly related professional experience. The college or university issuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree must be accredited, and the degree program in social work must be approved by the Council on Social Work Education Conditions of Employment: Requires travel, a valid driver’s license, daily access to an automobile, and proof of vehicle insurance. Requires ability to pass a background check. Requires physical, visual, and auditory ability to carry out assigned duties. Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends. This also requires the ability to work in a 24 hour “on call” capacity. The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. About the Agency: DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus. As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following: A Pension Program Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year) 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment) Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable) 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position) 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only) For more information about our benefits please follow this link: This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP) . General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles . To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission . UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application. This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs). APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process. If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the homepage in the blue ribbon. Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account. If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources: State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid Non-State employees: on – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website. The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses: