Agencies & Institutions Licensing Specialist

About the role

The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in Chicago is hiring one Agencies & Institutions Licensing Specialist (Child Welfare Specialist, Upward Mobility Program). The specialist plans and runs licensing orientations for clients seeking licensure, prepares licensing statistics, reviews compliance of child care institutions and group homes, and supports administrative hearings on licensing complaints. The position is full time, Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with a hybrid schedule of 3 to 5 days per week in the office.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, arrange and conduct licensing orientations for clients who want to become licensed.
• Prepare required licensing statistical reports by their deadlines.
• Review compliance of child care institutions and group homes with behavior management regulations.
• Prepare data for and give input into administrative hearings on service and licensing compliance issues and complaints against private agencies, staff and foster homes.
• Maintain client records and file documents in line with federal and state statutes, department rules and accreditation standards.
• Contribute to coordinated reviews of private agencies with the Office of Contract Administration and other monitoring units.

Required profile

• Master's degree in social work, or a related human service master's degree plus one year of directly related casework/case management experience.
• Or a bachelor's degree in social work plus one year of directly related experience, or a related bachelor's degree plus two years of directly related experience.
• Experience must relate to family preservation, reunification, adoption, youth development, counseling and advocacy, or a related field.
• Ability to pass a background check; travel, a valid driver's license, daily access to a car and proof of vehicle insurance.
• Physical, visual and auditory ability to perform the duties.

What we offer

• Anticipated starting salary of $6,460 per month, range $6,460-$9,337 per month.
• Pension program and competitive group insurance (health, life, dental, vision).
• 12 paid sick days, 13 paid holidays, 10-25 vacation days and 3 personal business days.
• Flexible work schedules, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and deferred compensation program.
• Pre-tax programs, GI Bill benefits for veterans and a 5% salary differential for bilingual positions.