CHILD Protection Specialist (Rockford, IL, US, 61107

Job Requisition : 58001
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 08/27/2026
Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Class

Title:

CHILD PROTECTION SPEC - 07163
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: Spanish
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,460 monthly;
Full Range $6,460 - $9,337 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Winnebago
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:

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

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 Child Protection Specialist. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills and communication capabilities. 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
• Translates and interprets, both orally and in writing, for Spanish Speaking clients regarding services available and the proper completion of forms
• 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

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

A bachelor’s degree in social work and one year of directly related professional experience

OR

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.

• Requires ability to speak and write Spanish at a colloquial skill level.

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 travel, 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, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends. This also requires the ability to work in a 24 hour “on call” capacity.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in…