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DCFS

PERMANENCY SPECIALIST

DCFS, Waukegan, Illinois, United States

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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.

Job Requisition ID: 52194 Closing Date: 02/04/2026 ​Agency: Department of Children and Family Services Class Title: CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST - 07218 Skill Option: UMP Credential Bilingual Option: Spanish Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,242; Full Range $6,242 - $9,021 Monthly Job Type: Salaried Category: Full Time County: Lake 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:

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 Permanency Specialist. Under general supervision, this position will provide professional child welfare casework services to children and families, determining the need and coordinating the placement of children in substitute care facilities. Additionally, the position will conduct interviews with clients and professionals to obtain information for the continued diagnosis of problems and development of treatment plans, 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 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.

Minimum Qualifications

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

2. It is a requirement that you have the 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. 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.

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 Headquarter Location: 2133 Belvidere Rd, Waukegan, Illinois, 60085 Work County: Lake Agency Contact: Deneen Locke Email:

Deneen.Locke@illinois.gov

(For Questions Only) Posting Group: Social Services

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