Child Protection Specialist

Overview

Job

Requisition
Closing Date: 03/06/2026
Agency:
Department of Children and Family Services
Class

Title:

CHILD PROTECTION SPEC - 07163
Skill Option:
None
Bilingual Option:
None
Salary:
Anticipated Starting Salary Step 1 $ 6,539/mo (Full Range $6,242 - $9,021/mo)
Job Type: Salaried
Category:
Full Time
County:
St. Clair

Number of Vacancies : 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position must apply electronically through the Illinois jobs2web website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the Success Factors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

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.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Deferred Assignment Child Protection Investigator. Under direction, this position will receive and investigate reports of alleged child abuse/neglect within mandated time limits. The position assesses the immediate safety of children and initiates appropriate levels of child protection needed. This position provides a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about children and interested in playing a role in ensuring the safety of children and youth.

DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills and strong communication skills. We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois.

• 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
• 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

• Preferably requires a master's degree in social work;
• OR Requires 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 Requires a bachelor’s degree in social work and one year of directly related professional experience;
• OR Requires 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.
• * The college or university issuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree must be accredited, and the degree program in social work must be approved by the Council on Social Work Education*

• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.…