CHILD CARE/CHILD WELFARE LICENSING BACKGROUND CHECK SPECIALIST

State-of-Illinois; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services seeks an organized Office Specialist to support the Upward Mobility Program and serve as a Child Care/Child Welfare Licensing Background Check Specialist in Chicago. The role focuses on accurate document handling, data reporting, and coordination with licensing staff.

This full-time, hybrid in-office position offers competitive benefits, a structured schedule, and opportunities to impact Illinois families across DCFS offices in Cook County.

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge/skill equivalent to two years of secretarial/business college and one year of office experience OR completion of high school and three years of office experience OR three years of independent business experience.
• Requires ability to keyboard accurately at 30 wpm.

Responsibilities

• Serves as Child Care/Child Welfare Licensing Background Check Specialist
• Prepares and keyboards documents affecting policies and confidential records
• Develops and provides complex database reports using multiple software programs
• Receives and evaluates CANTS documents/criminal history rap sheets for licensing review
• Identifies unique or complex situations requiring specialized assistance
• Prepares correspondence using department-approved forms for licensing staff
• Attends staff development and training sessions and performs other duties within scope.

Skills

Typing 30 wpm

Office experience

Education

Secretarial/business college

High school diploma

Job description

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CHILD CARE/CHILD WELFARE LICENSING BACKGROUND CHECK SPECIALIST

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

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 made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID:58530
Opening Date: 09/10/2026
Closing Date: 09/24/2026
Agency: Department of Children and Family Services

Title: Office Specialist (Upward Mobility Program)
Class Title:OFFICE SPECIALIST - 30080
Skill Option:Keyboarding
Bilingual Option:None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,568/mo.; Full Salary Range: $4,568 - $6,133/mo.
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code:RC028 Paraprofessional Human Services Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability:1 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs
Headquarter Location:Chicago - 1911 S Indiana Ave

The official headquarters is 1911 S. Indiana, but you will be assigned to work at another DCFS office in Cook County.

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

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.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Office 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 Care/Child Welfare Licensing Background Check Specialist
• Prepares and keyboards documents which impact program policies and procedures, as well as confidential documents related to the performance of unit personnel
• Develops and provides comprehensive complex database reports, utilizing extensive knowledge and understanding of multiple software programs, which include highly confidential data for distribution to licensing workers/employers
• Receives and evaluates CANTS documents/criminal history rap sheets to determine what information is appropriate to be sent to licensing workers/employers for review and recommendation.
• Identifies unique or complex situations requiring specialized assistance
• Prepares correspondence using Department-authorized forms to inform licensing workers/employers of pertinent information needing to be assessed and returned to the Department for review.
• Attends staff development and training sessions to enhance knowledge and expertise
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to two years of secretarial/business college and one year of office experience OR completion of high school and three years of office experience OR three years of independent business experience.
• Requires ability to keyboard accurately at 30 wpm.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to pass a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.

About the Agency

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.

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions

This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP). General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles . To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.

This position DOES NOT contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).