CHILD PROTECTION SPECIALIST

State of Illinois•Rockford Township, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

Preferably requires a master’s degree in social work
OR 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 A bachelor’s degree in social work and one year of directly related professional experience
OR 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.
Requires ability to speak and write Spanish at a colloquial skill level.
Requires 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.
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.

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)
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
Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)