Child Welfare Specialist

Overview

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• Job Requisition
• 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  website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to 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. We offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule, with flexible opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package including retirement options.

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 role is ideal for someone passionate about children and interested 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 and 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.

• 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 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 which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Preferably requires a masters degree in social work; OR a masters degree in a related human service field, supplemented by one year of directly related professional casework/case management experience; OR requires a bachelors degree in social work and one year of directly related professional casework/case management experience; OR requires a bachelors degree in a related human service field and two years of directly related experience.