Child Protection Specialist

Job Requisition : 55928

Closing Date: 07/06/2026

Agency: Department of Children and Family Services

Class

Title:

CHILD PROTECTION SPEC - 07163

Skill Option: None

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/26) $6,768/month;
Full Range $6,460 - $9,337/month

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Peoria

Number of Vacancies: 5

Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME

PUC: ,

Union Position: Yes – provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement apply.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the  website. State employees should use the Success Factors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email, fax, mail, or hand delivery will not be considered.

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the hiring process, please provide certification of disability from a qualified professional. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under "My Documents → Additional Documents" for each application.

Questions about Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center ability

ResCen or call .

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B) nor extend optional practical training (OPT) for F-1 students. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. Please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or any application materials.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking organized, professional, and results‑oriented individuals to serve as Child Protection Specialists. Under direction, this position will receive and investigate reports of alleged child abuse/neglect intakes within mandated time limits. The role assesses the immediate safety of children and initiates appropriate child protective measures, ensuring the safety of children and youth. The ideal candidate will have excellent organizational and communication skills.

• Serve as Child Protection Specialist.
• Prepare and maintain reports, assessments, and case documentation.
• Select, summarize, and present case material for transfer to permanency or intact/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 reasonably required or assigned.

• Preferably holds a master’s degree in social work.
• Or holds a master’s degree in a related human services field, criminal justice, criminal justice administration, or law enforcement and has one (1) year of directly related professional experience.
• Or holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and has one (1) year of directly related professional experience.
• Or holds a bachelor’s degree in a related human services field, criminal justice, criminal justice administration, or law enforcement and has two (2) years of directly related professional experience.
• College or university issuing the degree must be accredited; if the degree is in social work, the program must be approved by the Council on Social Work Education.

• Requires travel and overnight stays as appropriate. Must hold a valid driver’s license, daily access to an automobile, and proof of vehicle insurance.
• Requires completion of a background check and self‑disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires physical, visual, and auditory ability to carry out assigned duties.
• Overtime is a condition of employment; candidates may be…