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.

Agency: Department of Children and Family Services

Job Title: Child Welfare Specialist-UMP-Deferred Assignment/Spanish Speaking
Closing Date/Time: 08/11/2025
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,242 Full Salary Range $6242 - $9021 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
County: Stephenson; Whiteside
Number of Vacancies: 1
Plan/BU: RC063

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.

Posting Identification Number 47731

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 Function

Serves as Deferred Assignment Permanency Specialist
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
Translates and interprets, both orally and in writing, for Spanish speaking clients regarding services available and the proper completion of forms
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 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.
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.
This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.
Requires the ability to speak and write Spanish at a colloquial skill level.

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 AM to 5:00 PM
Work Location: 2607 Woodlawn Rd, Sterling, Illinois, 61081

Supervisor: Tanya Sarrels

Agency Contact:

Quiana Richardson

Email: Quiana

(For Questions Only)

Posting Group: Social Services

This title is within the Upward Mobility Program. General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Title Descriptions. There are three categories of UMP titles: 1) certificate titles which require passing a written proficiency exam; 2) credential titles which require the possession of a specified college degree and/or licensure; and 3) dual titles for which a certificate may be earned by following either the certificate or credential pathway.

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: