CHILD PROTECTION SPECIALIST

State of IllinoisElgin, IL
$6,460 - $9,337Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Child Protection Specialist. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills and communication capabilities. We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois.

Requirements

  • Requires ability to speak and write Spanish at a colloquial skill level.
  • Requires travel, a 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.

Nice To Haves

  • Preferably requires a master’s degree in social work
  • 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
  • A bachelor’s degree in social work and one year of directly related professional experience
  • 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

Responsibilities

  • 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
  • Translates and interprets, both orally and in writing, for Spanish Speaking clients regarding services available and the proper completion of forms
  • 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

Benefits

  • 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
  • Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)
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