Child Welfare Specialist

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

Job summary

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking a State Central Register Call Center Worker to provide statewide telephone coverage for reporting alleged child abuse/neglect.

Under supervision, you will collect information to diagnose and evaluate reports and prepare initial oral and subsequent reports related to child welfare services. The role emphasizes safety of children and collaboration with DCFS teams.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work or related field required, with related casework experience.
• One year of directly related professional casework/case management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serves as State Central Register Call Center Worker.
• Provides telephone counseling or referral services for crisis situations; maintains statewide resources for referrals.
• Enters all alleged reports of child abuse/neglect into the computer terminal.
• Monitors incoming written reports for CPS units.
• Performs other duties as required within the scope of these duties.

Education

Master's degree in social work

Master's degree in related human service field

Job description

Headquarter Location: 10 Collinsville Ave, East St. Louis, Illinois 62201

Work County: St. Clair

Opening Date: 09/18/2026

Closing Date: 10/02/2026

Agency: Department of Children and Family Services

Class Title: CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST - 07218

Skill Option: UMP Credential

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6460 monthly; Full Range $6460-$9337 monthly.

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: RC063 Professional Employees, Educators, Juvenile Justice School Counselors and Special Education Resources Coordinators, and Physicians AFSCME

Work Hours: Midnight - 8:30am, Rotation B1

Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: It is required that a person reports to the headquarters on this job position as necessary (could be weekly, monthly, or other schedule) dependent on operational need.

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

Agency Contact: Mike Bolt

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 helping 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 State Central Register Call Center Worker. Under general supervision, this position will provide statewide telephone coverage of a toll-free number for the reporting of alleged child abuse and neglect, making highly responsible decisions regarding intake and screening of information received on initial calls. The position will also secure all information necessary to accurately diagnose and evaluate reports of alleged child abuse/neglect and all information to complete initial oral reports and subsequent reports relating to child abuse/neglect or other child welfare services. This position provides a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about children and focused on ensuring the safety 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serves as State Central Register Call Center Worker
• Provides telephone counseling services or referral services for crisis situations; maintains familiarity with resources on a statewide basis for purposes of referral
• Provides information necessary to ensure that all alleged reports of child abuse/neglect are entered into the computer terminal
• Monitors incoming written reports for CPS units
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Preferably requires a master’s degree in social work; or a master’s degree in a related human service field, supplemented by one year of directly related professional casework/ case management experience related to fami