DEFERRED ASSIGNMENT CHILD PROTECTION SPECIALIST

DEFERRED ASSIGNMENT CHILD PROTECTION SPECIALISTWe continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome.The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking organized, professional, and results oriented individuals to serve as Deferred Assignment Child Protection Specialists. Under direction, this position will receive and investigate reports of alleged child abuse/neglect intakes within mandated time limits. The position assesses the immediate safety of children and initiates appropriate levels of child protection needed. This position provides a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about children and interested in playing a role in 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 Deferred Assignment Child Protection SpecialistPrepares and maintains a variety of reports, assessments, and case documentationSelects, summarizes, and presents case material for transfer to permanency caseworker or intact/prevention caseworkerDetermines the need for and coordinates the placement of children in substitute care facilitiesAttends multi-disciplinary diagnostic and technical staff conferences to assess needed servicesTransports clients when taking protective custody, when placing them in substitute care, and when changing placement locationPerforms other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated aboveMinimum Qualifications:Preferably requires a master's degree in social work OR requires a master's degree in a related human service field, in criminal justice, criminal justice administration, or law enforcement and one year of directly related professional experienceOR requires a bachelor's degree in social work and one year of directly related professional experienceOR requires a bachelor's degree in a related human service field, in criminal justice, criminal justice administration, or law enforcement and two years of directly related professional experience.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.Conditions of Employment:Requires travel, a valid driver's license, daily access to an automobile, and proof of vehicle insurance.Requires ability to pass a background check.Requires physical, visual, and auditory ability to carry out assigned duties.Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends. This also requires the ability to work in a 24 hour "on call" capacity.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.