Permanency Specialist

DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus.

Job Requisition : 52194
Closing Date: 02/04/2026
Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Class

Title:

CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST - 07218
Skill Option: UMP Credential
Bilingual Option: Spanish
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,242;
Full Range $6,242 - $9,021 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Lake
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC063 Professional Employees, Educators, Juvenile Justice School Counselors and Special Education Resources Coordinators, and Physicians 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.

All applicants must apply electronically through the Illinois jobs2web website. State of Illinois employees should use the Success Factors portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner will not be considered. It is highly recommended that you upload college transcripts and resume.

Why Work for Illinois?

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 Permanency Specialist. Under general supervision, this position will provide professional child welfare casework services to children and families, determining the need and coordinating the placement of children in substitute care facilities. Additionally, the position will conduct interviews with clients and professionals to obtain information for the continued diagnosis of problems and development of treatment plans, utilizing Spanish speaking skills in the performance of duties.

This position provides a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about children and interested in playing a role in ensuring the safety and stability 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 Permanency Specialist.
• Works with intact families and children in home and/or substitute care.
• Conducts interviews with clients and professionals to obtain information for the continued diagnosis of problems and development of treatment plans.
• Translates and interprets, both orally and in writing, for Spanish speaking clients regarding services available and the proper completion of forms.
• Transports clients when taking protective custody, when placing them in substitute care, and when changing placement location.
• Prepares and maintains case documentation for planning, implementing, and evaluating services.
• Participates in case staffings to facilitate case transfer and participates in multi-disciplinary diagnostic and technical staff conferences to assess needed services.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

1. Preferably requires a master’s degree in social…