Child Protection Specialist

Job Requisition ID: 56069 
Closing Date: 06/02/2026
?Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Class Title: CHILD PROTECTION SPEC - 07163 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/26) $6,768/ month; Full Range $6,460 - $9,337/ month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 4
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME

PUC: 90686637 

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 illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors 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.

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 Child Protection Specialist. 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 Child Protection Specialist.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of reports, assessments, and case documentation.
• Selects, summarizes and presents case material for transfer to permanency caseworker or intact/prevention caseworker.
• Determines the need for and coordinates the placement of children in substitute care facilities.
• Attends multi-disciplinary diagnostic and technical staff conferences to assess needed services.
• Transports clients when taking protective custody, when placing them in substitute care, and when changing placement location.
• 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

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 experience;

OR

requires a bachelor's degree in social work and one year of directly related professional experience;

OR

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 ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license, daily access to an automobile, and proof of vehicle insurance.
• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• 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.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related 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:

• A Pension Program
• 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)
• 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

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx  

Supervisor: Apple Glover

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 5:00PM
Work Location: 1124 N Walnut St, Springfield, Illinois, 62702
Agency Contact: Nina Hollada
Email: Show email  
Posting Group: Social Services

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).