Job Description

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.

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Agency:  Department of Children and Family Services

Job Title: Child Protection Specialist (Spanish Speaking)
Class Title:  CHILD PROTECTION SPEC - 07163 
Skill Option:  None 
Bilingual Option:  Spanish 
Closing Date/Time: 03/04/2025
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,291/month Full Range $6,005 - $8678/month
Job Type: Salaried
Category:  Full Time 
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Plan/BU:  RC062

Divpin #: 88-7872

PUC #: 90682399

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

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU UPLOAD COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS AND RESUME

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.

 

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Child Protection Investigator. Under direction, this position will receive and investigate reports of alleged child abuse/neglect within mandated time limits. The position assesses the immediate safety of children and initiates appropriate levels of child protection needed while utilizing Spanish speaking skills in the performance of duties. This position provides a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about children and interested in playing a role in 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 Child Protection Investigator. 
• Prepares investigation reports for assessing validity of reports of allegations.
• Selects, summarizes, and presents case material for transfer to permanency caseworker or community agencies.
• Translates and interprets, both orally and in writing, for Spanish speaking clients regarding services available and the proper completion of forms.
• Determines the need for and coordinates the placement of children in substitute care facilities.
• Attends multi-disciplinary diagnostic and technical staff conferences to assess needed services.
• Transports clients when taking protective custody, when placing them in substitute care, and when changing placement location; transports clients to appointments (i.e., court hearings, medical appointments, counseling sessions, police station, etc.) and to necessitate the delivery of client services.
• 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
• Requires a master's degree in a related human service field, in criminal justice, criminal justice administration, or law enforcement and one year of directly related professional experience;
• or
• Requires a bachelor's degree in social work and one year of directly related professional experience;
• or
• Requires a bachelor's degree in a related human service field, in criminal justice, criminal justice administration, or law enforcement and two years of directly related professional experience.

• Requires ability to speak and write Spanish at a colloquial skill level. 

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. 

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.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends. This also requires the ability to work in a 24 hour “on call” capacity.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30-17:00

Work Location: 1755 Lake Cook Rd Deerfield, IL 60015-5215

Supervisor:  KANNALA,TOMY

Agency Contact: Brandi Lake

Email: Brandi.Lake@illinois.gov

(Questions Only) 

Posting Group: Social Services

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

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the  Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the  Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

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