Child Welfare Specialist

Title

CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST

Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)

03/04/2026

Anticipated starting salary $6,242 monthly plus shift differential. Full range $6,242–$9,021 monthly.

Salaried

Sangamon

1

RC063

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement apply.

All applicants must apply electronically through the Illinois Jobs portal. State employees should apply through Success Factors. Applications submitted via email or paper will not be considered.

Working with the State of Illinois exemplifies compassion, equity, and dedication. Employees enjoy flexible scheduling, top‑tier benefits, and retirement packages that support long‑term career growth.

DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. The agency’s goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. From hotline calls to family reunification, foster care, and adoption, children and families remain the focus.

• A Pension Program
• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits:
  Health, Life, Dental, and Vision
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (carry over)
• 10–25 Days of Paid Vacation annually (10 days in year one)
• Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12‑hour & part‑time schedules
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program – supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre‑Tax Programs: MCAP, DCAP
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services seeks an organized, professional, and results‑oriented individual to serve as State Central Register Call Center Worker. The position provides statewide telephone coverage of a toll‑free number for reporting alleged child abuse and neglect. The worker makes pivotal decisions regarding intake and screening, secures necessary information for accurate diagnosis, and completes initial oral as well as subsequent reports related to child abuse/neglect and other child welfare services.

• Serve as State Central Register Call Center Worker.
• Provide telephone counseling or referral services for crisis situations; maintain familiarity with statewide resources for referral.
• Ensure all alleged reports of child abuse/neglect are entered accurately into the computer terminal.
• Monitor incoming written reports for CPS units.
• Perform other duties as reasonably within scope.

• Option 1: Master’s degree in social work or related human service field plus one year of directly related professional casework/case‑management experience focusing on family preservation, reunification, adoption, youth development, counseling, and advocacy.
• Option 2: Bachelor’s degree in social work with one year of directly related professional casework/case‑management experience in the same areas.
• Option 3: Bachelor’s degree in a related human service field with two years of directly related professional casework/case‑management experience in the same areas.
• University issuing the degree must be accredited, and social work programs must be approved by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Eligible for the Upward Mobility Program (UMP).

• Ability to pass a background check.
• Physical, visual, and auditory ability to carry out assigned duties.
• Willingness to work mandatory overtime.

Social work or a related human service field.

Shift: 3:30 pm–Midnight, Rotation B1.

2200 Churchill Rd, Springfield, Illinois 62702

Vacant / New

mike.bolt

The title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP). General Program information can be found by clicking the UMP link or for specific title information at UMP Title Descriptions. Employees must apply internally and upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents before submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents or Grade Documentation section of the application.