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Child Protection Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

State of Illinois

CHILD PROTECTION SPECIALIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$6.7K - $9.3K/mo

Child Protection Specialist Class Title: CHILD PROTECTION SPEC - 07163 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: None Salary: Starting Salary $6,768/month; Full Range $6,768 - $9,337/month Job Type:

State of Illinois

CHILD PROTECTION SPECIALIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$6.7K - $9.3K/mo

Child Protection Specialist Class Title: CHILD PROTECTION SPEC - 07163 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: Spanish Salary: Starting Salary $6,768/month; Full Range $6,768 - $9,336/month Job Type:

State of Illinois

CHILD PROTECTION SPECIALIST

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$6.7K - $9.3K/mo

CHILD PROTECTION SPEC - 07163 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,768/month; Full Range $6,768 - $9,337/month Job Type: Salaried Category: Full Time ...

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Child Protection information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$53.6K

$72.7K

$90.7K

How much do child protection jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for child protection in Chicago, IL is $72,705.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,800.00 and $82,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a child protection?

A Child Protection job involves safeguarding children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Professionals in this field assess risks, intervene in unsafe situations, and work with families, law enforcement, and social services to ensure a child’s well-being. They may provide counseling, create safety plans, and facilitate foster care or adoption when necessary. The goal is to promote a safe and supportive environment for children to thrive.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in child protection?

To thrive in Child Protection, you need a background in social work or a related field, a deep understanding of child welfare laws, and relevant state licensure. Familiarity with case management systems, standardized risk assessment tools, and ongoing training in child safety protocols are often required. Excellent interpersonal skills, resilience, and strong problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for this role. These qualifications ensure effective safeguarding of children, clear documentation, and collaborative decision-making in sensitive situations.

What are some common challenges faced by child protection professionals, and how are they supported?

Child Protection professionals often encounter emotionally charged situations, high caseloads, and time-sensitive decision-making regarding children's safety. To support staff, agencies typically offer regular supervision, access to mental health resources, peer support groups, and continuous training. Team collaboration is emphasized, and field workers regularly partner with law enforcement, healthcare providers, and schools to ensure child well-being. Balancing compassion with objectivity and following strict protocols are key components of the role, and ongoing support helps manage job-related stress and maintain high standards of care.

What are popular job titles related to Child Protection jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Child Protection jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Child Protection jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Protection jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Child Protection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Protection job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,705 per year, or $35 per hour.

CHILD PROTECTION SPECIALIST

State of Illinois

Hillside, IL • On-site

$6.4K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

State Of Illinois rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 75 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 50 rated states

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 57982 Opening Date: 08/17/2026Closing Date: 08/31/2026Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Title: Child Protection Specialist Class Title: CHILD PROTECTION SPEC - 07163 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: NoneSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6460/month; Full Range $6460 - $ 9337/monthJob Type: SalariedCategory: Full Time County: CookNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCMEMerit 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.
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 Specialist. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a generous pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills and strong leadership and communication capabilities. 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 Specialist
  • Prepares and maintains a variety of reports, assessments, and case documentation
  • Selects, summarizes and presents case material for transfer to permanency caseworker or intact/prevention caseworker.
  • 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, incriminal 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 andtwo 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 workmust be approved by the Council on Social Work Education.

Conditions of Employment
  • Requires travel, 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.

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:
  • A Pension Program
  • Competitive Group Insurance Benefits includling 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
  • Commuter Savings Program (Chicago Only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx
Work Hours: M - F 8:30 - 5:00
Headquarter Location: 4415 Harrison St, Hillside, Illinois, 60162
Work County: Cook
Supervisor: Evita Henry
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

What State Of Illinois employees say

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State of Illinois logo

About State of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Illinois is not a traditional company, but rather a governmental entity encompassing diverse agencies and departments that serve the constituents of Illinois. Based in Illinois, United States, this governmental body communicates with its citizens through the official website illinois.gov. The website is a one-stop resource for Illinois residents to access information about the state's services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety, among others.

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Springfield, IL, US

Year founded

2009

Social media

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