Child Protection Specialist

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services; Harrisburg (IL); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services seeks a Child Protection Specialist in Harrisburg, IL. This salaried role offers a hybrid schedule (2 to 5 days in the office) with a starting salary around $6,768 monthly and a full range of $6,460 – $9,337 monthly.

Open dates are 09/10/2026 and closing on 09/24/2026. The position emphasizes organization, leadership, and strong communication to support Illinois families.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in social work or related human service field with one year of related experience; or bachelors degree in social work with one year of related experience; or bachelors degree in related field with two years of related experience.
• CSWE-accredited degree required or acceptable by the program

Responsibilities

• Serve as Child Protection Specialist.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of reports, assessments, and case documentation.
• Coordinate placement of children in substitute care facilities.
• Attend multi-disciplinary diagnostic and technical staff conferences to assess needed services.
• Transport clients for custody or placement changes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Social Work

Master's degree in related human service field

Job description

This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more
Information, Please See
https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/13717167

• Job Requisition ID:**58054**

Opening Date:**09/10/2026**
Closing Date:**09/24/2026**
Agency:**Department of Children and Family Services**
Class Title:**CHILD PROTECTION SPEC - 07163**
Skill Option:**None**
Bilingual Option:**None**
Salary:**Anticipated Starting Salary $6,768 monthly; Full Range
$6,460 - $9,337 monthly**
Job Type:**Salaried**
Category:**Full Time**
Number of Vacancies:**1**
Bargaining Unit Code:**RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME**
Merit Comp Code:**

• Work Hours:**M-F 8:30am-5pm
• Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability:**2 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs

Headquarter Location:**324 E Raymond St, Harrisburg, Illinois, 62946**
Work County:**Saline

• Supervisor:**Veretta Garnett
• 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 youre
having to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support
families in need, youre part of something biggersomething that touches
the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career youre looking for, we offer jobs that fit
your life and your scheduleflexible 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 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 Strong Leadership 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.

Essential Functions

• 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/preventioncaseworker
• 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

Minimum Qualifications

• Preferably requires a masters degree in social work OR requires a masters degree in a related human service field, incriminal justice, criminal justice administration, or law enforcement and one year of directly related professional experience;OR requires a bachelors degree in social work and one year of directly related professional experience; OR requires abachelors degree in a related human service field, in criminal justice, criminal justice administration, or law enforcement andtwo years of directly related professional experience.
• The college or university issuing a bachelors or masters degree must be accredited, and the degree program in social workmust be approved by the Council on Social Work Education