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

Title: Child Protection Specialist - DAI

Agency : Department of Children and Family Services 

Working Title: DEFERRED ASSIGNMENT CHILD PROTECTION INVESTIGATOR - Decatur - 2920 N Oakland Ave

Closing Date/Time: 01/07/2025 
Salary: $6,005-$8,678 (Anticipated Starting Salary $6,291/month) Job Type: Salaried
County: Macon
Number of Vacancies: 10
Plan/BU: RC062

REQ: 43406

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.

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 SuccessFactors. 

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

IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU UPLOAD OFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS

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. 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 FUNCTION

• Serves as Deferred Assignment 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
• 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
• 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.

*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 ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license, daily access to an automobile, and proof of vehicle insurance.
• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• 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: 8:30am - 5:00pm, Mon. - Fri.
Work Location: 2920 N Oakland Ave, Decatur, Illinois, 62526

Supervisor: Angelique Maxwell

Agency Contact:

Name: Angela Brooks

E-mail: [email protected] ( preferred)

Job Function: 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 work.Illinois.gov homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the work.Illinois.gov 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 [KS(1] and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid HERE [KS(2]  

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

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