Child Protection Specialist (Spanish-speaking)

About the role

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is hiring one Child Protection Specialist in Freeport, Illinois. The position is full-time, salaried and union-covered, with a Monday to Friday schedule of 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and a hybrid option of 1 to 5 days per week in the office. The specialist serves children and families, prepares case documentation and coordinates placements in substitute care.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as Child Protection Specialist
• Prepare and maintain reports, assessments and case documentation
• Select, summarize and present case material for transfer to permanency, prevention or intact caseworkers
• Translate and interpret for Spanish-speaking clients, orally and in writing, about available services and the proper completion of forms
• 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 within the scope of the above

Required profile

• 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 experience
• 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 speak and write Spanish at a colloquial level
• Conditions of employment: travel, a valid driver's license, daily access to an automobile and proof of vehicle insurance; background check and self-disclosure of criminal history; ability to work evenings, weekends and on call, including overtime

What we offer

• Anticipated starting salary of $6,460 per month, range $6,460-$9,337
• Pension program and group health, life, dental and vision insurance
• 12 paid sick days, 13 paid holidays, 10-25 vacation days and 3 personal business days
• Flexible schedules, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and deferred compensation program
• 5% salary differential for bilingual positions