Permanency Assistant - Decatur

Illinoiscomptroller; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 49,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive health insurance

Paid personal and sick days

Paid vacation and holidays

Flexible work schedules

Paid parental leave

Deferred compensation program

Pre-tax programs

Training/Apprenticeship benefits

Bilingual position differential

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking a Permanency Assistant to support Child Welfare Specialists in arranging placements for children. Under general supervision, you will transport children to placements, court hearings, health exams, and medical appointments, and assist with program activities.

The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and communication skills; requires two years of college with one year of related experience or three years' experience

Qualifications

• Requires any combination of education and experience which provides knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to either completion of two years of college and one year of experience OR three years of experience working with culturally disadvantaged persons in a social service program

Responsibilities

• Serves as Permanency Assistant to Child Welfare Specialists
• Provides support to Child Welfare Specialist efforts to move youth to appropriate Permanency options
• Provides support and feedback to the assigned worker regarding observation of child during a child parent visitation when applicable
• Observes children and reports to the caseworker and/or supervisor any unusual behavior relating to the mental, social adjustment, and overall health of children
• Attends and provides input into team meetings
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Skills

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Two years of college

Job description

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

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

Job Requisition ID:58448Opening Date: 09/01/2026Closing Date: 09/16/2026Agency: Department of Children and Family ServicesClass Title:CHILD DEVELOPMENT AIDE - 07184

Skill Option:NoneBilingual Option:NoneSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,407/mo; Full Salary Range $4,407/mo - $5,879/moJob Type: SalariedCategory:Full TimeNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code:RC028 Paraprofessional Human Services Employees, AFSCME
Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability:Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location:Decatur - 2920 N Oakland Ave
Work County:Macon

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

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Permanency Assistant. Under general supervision, this position will provide assistance in making arrangements of placements for children. The position will drive to transport children to and from placements, as well as for court hearings, health exams, medical appointments, etc. The position will also provide assistance with program activities for children and will observe children and report to the caseworker and/or supervisor any unusual behavior relating to the mental, social adjustment, and overall health of children. This position provides a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about children and interested in playing a supporting 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 Assistant to Child Welfare Specialists
• Provides support to Child Welfare Specialist efforts to move youth to appropriate Permanency options
• Provides support and feedback to the assigned worker regarding observation of child during a child parent visitation when applicable
• Observes children and reports to the caseworker and/or supervisor any unusual behavior relating to the mental, social adjustment, and overall health of children
• Attends and provides input into team meetings
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

Requires any combination of education and experience which provides knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to either completion of two years of college and one year of experience OR three years of experience working with culturally disadvantaged persons in a social service program

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a valid driver’s license, daily access to an automobile, and proof of vehicle insurance.
• Requires ability to pass a background check.
• Requires physical, visual, and auditory ability to carry out assigned duties.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.
• All 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 Bill Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

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.