Child Protection Specialist

About the role

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is hiring two Child Protection Specialists in Peoria, Illinois. Under direction, the specialist 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. The position is full-time, salaried, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, with a hybrid schedule of 3 to 5 days per week in the office.

Key responsibilities

• Receive and investigate child abuse and neglect intake reports within mandated time limits.
• Assess the immediate safety of children and initiate the appropriate level of child protection.
• Prepare and maintain reports, assessments and case documentation.
• Select, summarize and present case material for transfer to permanency, prevention or intact 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.

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.
• Or a bachelor's degree in social work with one year of directly related professional experience.
• Or a bachelor's degree in a related human service field, criminal justice, criminal justice administration or law enforcement with two years of directly related professional experience.
• Accredited degree program; social work programs must be approved by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Ability to travel, including overnight stays, and a valid driver's license with daily access to an automobile and proof of vehicle insurance.
• Background check and self-disclosure of criminal history; physical, visual and auditory ability to perform duties.
• Overtime, evening and weekend work, and 24-hour on-call availability are conditions of employment.

What we offer

• Anticipated starting salary of $6,768 per month, range $6,460-$9,337 per month.
• Pension program and competitive group insurance (health, life, dental and vision).
• 12 paid sick days, 10-25 paid vacation days, 13 paid holidays and flexible schedules when available.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave, deferred compensation program and pre-tax programs.
• GI Bill training/apprenticeship benefits for qualifying veterans and a 5% salary differential for bilingual positions.