Child Welfare Specialist

Job Title

Child Welfare Specialist (CWS) – Upward Mobility

Agency: Department of Children and Family Services County: Sangamon Number of Vacancies: 2 Job Type: Salaried Shift: 3:30 pm – Midnight, Rotation A1 Location: 2200 Churchill Rd, Springfield, IL 62702

Closing Date: 04 Mar 2026 Salary: Anticipated starting salary $6,242/month + shift differential;
Full range $6,242–$9,021/month

Union: This position is a union position; relevant collective bargaining agreement applies.

Apply: Submit electronically via . State employees use the Success Factors portal. Applications by email, fax, or hand delivery will not be considered.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results‑oriented individual to serve as the State Central Register Call Center Worker. Under general supervision, the successful candidate will provide statewide telephone coverage of a toll‑free number for reporting alleged child abuse and neglect, make highly responsible decisions about intake and screening of information received on initial calls, secure all information necessary to diagnose and evaluate reports, complete initial and subsequent oral reports, and provide other services as required.

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

• Preferably a master’s degree in social work or related human service field plus one year of directly related professional casework/case management experience in family preservation, family reunification, adoption, youth development, counseling, advocacy, or related field.
• OR a bachelor’s degree in social work plus one year of related experience.
• OR a bachelor’s degree in a related human service field plus two years of related experience.
• The degree program must be accredited and approved by the Council on Social Work Education.
• This class is part of the Upward Mobility Program.

• Pass a background check.
• Physically, visually, and auditorily able to carry out assigned duties.
• Able to work mandatory overtime.

• A Pension Program
• Competitive group insurance benefits (Health, Life, Dental, Vision)
• 12 paid personal business days annually
• 12 paid sick days annually (over‑carry)
• 10‑25 days of paid vacation annually (10 days year one)
• 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 (Medical Care Assistance Plan, Dependent Care Assistance Plan)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• GI Bill training/apprenticeship benefits for qualifying veterans
• 5% salary differential for bilingual positions
• Commuter savings program (Chicago only)

Use the “Apply” button to begin the process. State employees sign in through the internal portal; non‑state employees create an account on the  website. For additional guidance, refer to the internal candidate application job aid (state employees) or the application procedures section of the website (non‑state employees).