Child Welfare Specialist

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services; Freeport (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional Intact Services Specialist floater to deliver short-term, intensive child welfare casework in the assigned region. The role focuses on safety assessment, linkage to services, and maintaining family stability for high-risk cases.

Under supervision, you will evaluate safety risks, coordinate with providers, and document outcomes while promoting timely interventions and family preservation where

Qualifications

• Masters degree in social work preferred; or a master's degree in a related human service field with 1 year of related casework experience.
• Bachelor's degree in social work with 1 year of related professional casework/case management experience; or a related field with 2 years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Serves as Intact Services Specialist.
• Provides follow up to parents/families to ensure linkages with service providers.
• Oversees families requesting non-investigatory prevention services and provides referrals to community resources.
• Prepares and maintains case documentation for planning, implementation, and evaluation of services; prepares reports.
• Collaborates with other units to ensure positive outcomes across non-child abuse/neglect matters.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

MSW

Bachelor's in Social Work

Masters in related field

Job description

This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more Information, Please See https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/13647571 Job Requisition ID:**57921** Opening Date:**08/12/2026** Closing Date:**08/26/2026** Agency:**Department of Children and Family Services** Class Title:**CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST - 07218** Skill Option:**UMP Credential** Bilingual Option:**None** Salary:**Anticipated Starting Salary $6,460/month; Full Range $6,460-$9,337/month** Job Type:**Salaried** Category:**Full Time** County:**Stephenson** 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:** PUC:**90704661** 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 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 Intact Services Specialist as a Floater within the assigned region. Under general supervision, this position will provide experienced, short term, intense child welfare casework services to intact families in high-risk categories. The position will review and evaluate safety and risk factors impacting child safety so that children may remain at home, avoiding separation and/or placement. 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.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Intact Services Specialist
• Provides follow up to parents and families to ensure appropriate linkages have been made with service providers
• Provides immediate oversight to families who are requesting non-investigatory prevention services and provides referral services to neighborhood/community resources
• Prepares and maintains case documentation for planning, implementing, and evaluating services; prepares statistical and narrative reports
• Works with other Departmental units to facilitate positive outcomes and provision of services for non-child abuse/neglect matters, including prevention services, dependencies, court supervision, runaways, etc.
• 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 a masters degree in a related human service field, supplemented by one year of directly related professional casework/case management experience; or requires a bachelors degree in social work and one year of directly related professional casework/case management experience; or requires a bachelors degree in a related human service field and two years of directly related professional casework/case management Experience r