Child Welfare Specialist

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the job listing Expires on August 21, 2026 Job Requisition ID: 57585 Opening Date: 07/21/2026 Closing Date: 08/04/2026 Agency: Department of Children and Family Services Class Title: CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST – 07218 Skill Option: UMP Credential Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6460 monthly; Full Range $6460-$9337 monthly Job Type: Salaried Category: Full Time County: Sangamon Number of Vacancies: 1 Bargaining Unit Code: RC063 Professional Employees, Educators,Juvenile Justice School Counselors and Special Education Resources Coordinators,and Physicians AFSCME Merit Comp Code: This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position. 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 State Central Register Call Center Worker. Under general supervision, this position will provide statewide telephone coverage of a toll-free number for the reporting of alleged child abuse and neglect, making highly responsible decisions regarding intake and screening of information received on initial calls. The position will also secure all information necessary to accurately diagnose and evaluate reports of alleged child abuse/neglect and all information to complete initial oral reports and subsequent reports relating to child abuse/neglect or other child welfare services. This position provides a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about children and focused on ensuring the safety of children and youth. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position 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. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Serves as State Central Register Call Center Worker Provides telephone counseling services or referral services for crisis situations; maintains familiarity with resources on a statewide basis for purposes of referral Provides information necessary to ensure that all alleged reports of child abuse/neglect are entered into the computer terminal Monitors incoming written reports for CPS units Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated 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 related to family preservation, family reunification, adoption, youth development, counseling and advocacy services or a related field; OR Requires a bachelor’s degree in social work and one year of directly related professional casework/ case management experience related to family preservation, family reunification, adoption, youth development, counseling and advocacy services or a related field; OR Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related human service field and two years of directly related professional casework/ case management experience related to family preservation, family reunification, adoption, youth development, counseling and advocacy services or a related field. The college or university issuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree must be accredited, and the degree program in social work must be approved by the Council on Social Work Education. This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Requires the ability to pass a background check Requires physical, visual and auditory ability to carry out assigned duties Requires ability to work mandatory overtime The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. ABOUT THE AGENCY DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus. As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following: Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year) 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually – (10 days in year one of employment) Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable) 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position) 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave Deferred Compensation Program – A supplemental retirement plan Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions Work Hours: MON-FRI, 3:30pm-Midnight. Headquarter Location: 2200 Churchill Rd, Springfield, Illinois, 62702 Work County: Sangamon Agency Contact: Mike Bolt Supervisor: Heather Kruep Posting Group: Social Services This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP) . General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles . To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission . UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application. This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs). #J-18808-Ljbffr