Permanency Specialist; Ump- Champaign

Overview

Job Requisition : 52973
Closing Date: 02/04/2026
Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Class

Title:

CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST - 07218

Working Title: PERMANENCY SPECIALIST (UMP) - CHAMPAIGN

Skill Option: Upward Mobility Program (UMP)
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,242 a month;
Full Range $6,242 - $9,021 a month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Champaign
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC063 Professional Employees, Educators, Juvenile Justice School Counselors and Special Education Resources Coordinators, and Physicians AFSCME

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 Illinois Jobs website. State of Illinois employees should apply through the Success Factors 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 Permanency Specialist. Under general supervision, this position will provide professional child welfare casework services to children and families, determining the need and coordinating the placement of children in substitute care facilities. Additionally, the position will conduct interviews with clients and professionals to obtain information for the continued diagnosis of problems and development of treatment plans.

This position provides a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about children and interested in playing a role in ensuring the safety and stability of children and youth. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate will have excellent organizational skills and strong communication skills. We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois.

• Responsibilities: Serves as Permanency Specialist providing experienced professional casework services to children and families.
• Works with intact families and children in home and/or substitute care.
• Conducts interviews with clients and professionals to obtain information for the continued diagnosis of problems and development of treatment plans.
• Transports clients when taking protective custody, when placing them in substitute care, and when changing placement location.
• Prepares and maintains case documentation for planning, implementing, and evaluating services.
• Participates in case staffings to facilitate case transfer and participates in multi-disciplinary diagnostic and technical staff conferences to assess needed services.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned within the scope of duties listed above.

• Minimum Qualifications: Preferably requires a master’s degree in social work; OR a master’s degree in a related human service field, supplemented by one year of directly related professional casework/case management experience; OR requires a bachelor’s degree in social work and one year of directly related professional casework/case management experience; OR requires a bachelor’s degree in a related human service field and two years of directly…