Child Protection Specialist Floater

About the role

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is seeking an organized, professional and results-oriented individual to serve as Child Protection Specialist Floater in Peoria. Under direction, the position receives and investigates reports of alleged child abuse and neglect within mandated time limits, assesses the immediate safety of children and initiates the appropriate level of child protection. It is a full-time, salaried union position with an anticipated starting salary of $6,768 per month.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as Child Protection Specialist Floater for the field offices of the sub-region.
• Prepare and maintain reports, assessments and case documentation.
• Select, summarize and present case material for transfer to permanency, intact or prevention caseworkers.
• Determine the need for and coordinate placement of children in substitute care facilities.
• Attend multi-disciplinary diagnostic and technical staff conferences to assess needed services.
• Transport clients when taking protective custody, placing them in substitute care or changing placement location.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the duties above.

Required profile

• Preferably a master's degree in social work, or a master's in a related human service field, criminal justice, criminal justice administration or law enforcement with one year of directly related professional experience.
• A bachelor's degree in social work with one year of directly related experience, or a bachelor's in a related field with two years of directly related experience.
• Ability to travel, including overnight stays, and a valid driver's license with daily access to an automobile and proof of vehicle insurance.
• Completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, including evenings, weekends and 24-hour on-call duty.

What we offer

• Pension program and competitive group insurance (health, life, dental and vision).
• 12 paid sick days, 10-25 paid vacation days and 13 paid holidays.
• Flexible schedules, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and a deferred compensation program.
• Optional pre-tax programs, GI Bill training/apprenticeship benefits for qualifying veterans and a 5% salary differential for bilingual positions.