FOSTER HOME LICENSING SPECIALIST

State of Illinois; Elgin (IL); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Illinois in Elgin (Kane County) seeks a Child Welfare Specialist under the Upward Mobility Program to support foster care services. You will evaluate licensing, coordinate with DCFS units, and advise on resources for children in care.

Qualifications include master’s or related field degrees or bachelor with relevant experience; the role requires background check, driver's license, and a hybrid work schedule. State benefits and up-front compensation details are provided.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work is preferred.
• Master's degree in related human service field is acceptable.
• Bachelor's degree in social work is acceptable.
• Bachelor's degree in a related human service field is acceptable with experience.
• One year of directly related professional casework/case management experience is required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serves as Foster Home Licensing Specialist.
• Coordinates with other units and staff, including DCFS offices and foster parent resources.
• Consults with staff and LANs with recommendations about the selection of foster family resources and support services.
• Conducts investigations relative to complaints about licensed foster/adoptive homes.
• Provides/maintains reports, statistics, records and documentation of activities on a monthly basis or as needed.
• Performs other duties as required within the scope of the position.

Education

Master's degree in social work

Master's degree in related human service field

Bachelor's degree in social work

Bachelor's degree in related human service field

One year of directly related professional casework/case management experience

Job description

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, do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID: 58286
Opening Date: 10/22/2026
Closing Date: 11/06/2026
Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Title: Child Welfare Specialist - Upward Mobility Program
Class Title: CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST - 07218
Skill Option: UMP Credential
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,460 a month; Full Range $6,460 - $9,337 a month
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
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 3 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs
Headquarter Location: 595 S State St, Elgin, Illinois, 60123
Work County: Kane
Supervisor: Angela Sutor
Agency Contact: [e-mail] (For Questions Only)
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.

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.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Foster Home Licensing Specialist
• Coordinates with other units and staff, including the Office of Professional Development, caseworkers, investigators, recruiters, and foster parent support specialists
• Consults with DCFS staff and Child and Adolescent Local Area Networks (C&A LAN’s) with recommendations about the selection of foster family resources that best meet the needs of children, including recommendations for support services to maintain the resources.
• Conducts investigations relative to complaints about licensed foster/adoptive homes in accordance with the Childcare Act

Provides/maintains reports, statistics, records and documentation of activities on a monthly basis or as needed

• 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; OR requires a bachelor’s degree in social work and one year of directly related professional casework/case management experience; OR requires a bachelor’s degree in a related human service field and two years of directly related professional casework/case management experience.

The college or university issuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree must be accredited, and the degree program in social work must be approved by the Council on Social Work Education. The directly related professional casework/case management experience must be related to family preservation, family reunification, adoption, youth development, counseling, and advocacy services or a related field.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires possession of a valid driver’s license, daily access to an automobile, and proof of vehicle insurance.
• Requires physical, visual, and auditory ability to carry out assigned duties.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

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 BillTraining/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

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