Child Welfare Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation plan

Excellent benefits

Pension program

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in Peoria seeks a Permanency Specialist to provide organized, professional child welfare casework services to children and families under general supervision. The role involves interviewing clients and professionals, coordinating placement in substitute care, and developing treatment plans to ensure safety and stability for youth.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills and a commitment to

Qualifications

• Masters in social work or related field with 1 year of directly related professional casework/case management experience.
• Bachelor’s in social work with 1 year of directly related professional casework/case management experience.
• Bachelor’s in related human service field and two years of related experience (as stated in minimum qualifications).

Responsibilities

• Provides professional child welfare casework services to children and families.
• Works with intact families and children in home and/or substitute care.
• Conducts interviews with clients and professionals to obtain information for diagnosis and development of treatment plans.
• Prepares and maintains case documentation for planning, implementing, and evaluating services.

Education

Masters degree in social work

Masters degree in related human service field

Bachelors degree in social work

Bachelors 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/13637175

Job Requisition ID: 57896

Opening Date: 08/07/2026

Closing Date: 08/21/2026

Agency: Department of Children and Family Services

Class Title: CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST - 07218

Working Title: PERMANENCY SPECIALIST (UMP) - PEORIA

Skill Option: UMP Credential

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,460/mo; Full Range $6,460/mo - $9,337/mo

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Peoria

Number of Vacancies: 1

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

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

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 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. 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 Permanency Specialist providing experienced professional casework services to children and families.
• 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.
• 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.

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