Child Protection Assistant
About The Position
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results-oriented Child Protection Assistant. Under immediate supervision, this position drives or travels with Child Protection Specialist staff to homes to assist with investigations of complaints regarding child abuse and neglect. The assistant helps the specialist conduct interviews with children and families in their homes and in the community. The role supports the safety and welfare of children and families and communicates services available through DCFS and private agencies. The position is based fully in the office at the Decatur, Illinois headquarters, with travel required in the performance of duties and overnight stays as appropriate. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; overtime may be required, including evenings, weekends, and 24-hour on-call availability. The position is under immediate supervision and is covered by the relevant collective bargaining agreement.
Requirements
- Any combination of education, training, or experience providing knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of high school, OR two years of experience working with the culturally disadvantaged in a public or private social welfare program.
- Ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
- Appropriate, valid driver's license, daily access to an automobile, and proof of vehicle insurance.
- Completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
- Physical, visual, and auditory ability to carry out assigned duties.
- Ability to work overtime, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime; work evenings and weekends; and work in a 24-hour on-call capacity.
Responsibilities
- Drive or travel with Child Protection Specialist staff to homes to assist in investigations of complaints regarding child abuse and neglect.
- Assist Child Protection Specialists as they conduct interviews with children and families in their homes and in the community.
- Observe children and report unusual behavior relating to their mental and social adjustment and overall health to the Child Protection Specialist.
- Communicate to clients the services available through DCFS and private agencies.
- Organize and maintain automotive records and materials, including mileage, maintenance, and expenses.
- Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the position.
Benefits
- Pension program
- Competitive group insurance benefits, including health, life, dental, and vision insurance
- Three paid personal business days annually
- Twelve paid sick days annually, with unused sick days carried over from year to year
- 10–25 days of paid vacation annually, including 10 days in the first year of employment
- 13 paid holidays annually, and 14 in even-numbered years
- Flexible work schedules when available and dependent upon position
- 12 weeks of paid parental leave
- Deferred Compensation Program supplemental retirement plan
- Optional pre-tax Medical Care Assistance Plan and Dependent Care Assistance Plan
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
- GI Bill training/apprenticeship benefits eligibility for qualifying veterans
- 5% salary differential for bilingual positions
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
