Child Welfare Specialist

Opening: 08/17/2026 – 08/31/2026 • Full-time salaried position in Cook County • 1 vacancy • Union position (AFSCME RC062)

About the role

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results-oriented Child Protection Specialist. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a generous pension program. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of Illinois children and families.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Child Protection Specialist.
• Prepare and maintain reports, assessments, and case documentation.
• Select, summarize, and present case material for transfer to permanency, intact, or prevention caseworkers.
• Determine the need for and coordinate placement of children in substitute care facilities.
• Attend multi-disciplinary diagnostic and technical staff conferences to assess needed services.
• Transport clients when taking protective custody, placing them in substitute care, or changing placement location.
• Perform other duties reasonably within the scope of the enumerated responsibilities.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in social work (preferred); or
• Master’s degree in a related human-service field (including criminal justice, criminal justice administration, or law enforcement) plus one year of directly related professional experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in social work plus one year of directly related professional experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in a related human-service field (including criminal justice, criminal justice administration, or law enforcement) plus two years of directly related professional experience.
• Degree-granting college or university must be accredited; social-work programs must be approved by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Valid driver’s license, daily access to an automobile, and proof of vehicle insurance.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Physical, visual, and auditory ability to carry out assigned duties.
• Overtime is a condition of employment.
• Travel is required.

Pay

Anticipated starting salary: $6,460/month. Full range: $6,460 – $9,337/month.