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Child Support Specialist Jobs in Springfield, IL

Hshs

Child Life Specialist

Springfield, IL · On-site

$22.05 - $33.08/hr

Educates, prepares and supports infants, children, adolescents and their families through difficult ... Certified Child Life Specialist is required. Certification required through Child Life Council, or ...

All JobsChild Support Specialist JobsChild Support Specialist Jobs in Springfield, IL

Child Support Specialist information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$30.7K

$49.8K

$68.4K

How much do child support specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for child support specialist in Springfield, IL is $49,839.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,600.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a child support specialist do?

A Child Support Specialist is responsible for assisting parents and guardians with establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders. They work with both custodial and non-custodial parents to ensure that children receive necessary financial support. Their duties often include case management, investigating financial information, coordinating with courts, and explaining child support laws and processes to clients. They also help track payments, initiate legal actions when necessary, and provide resources or referrals to support families. This role is critical in promoting the well-being of children by ensuring their financial needs are met.

What does a child support specialist do?

A child support specialist works in the legal industry, ensuring people who must pay child support make consistent payments. Your job duties include the assessment and review of the financial situations of the clients, making sure children are being provided for as stipulated in a legal settlement. You analyze financial statements, interview clients, make regular check-ups, and write reports to your superiors, noting any issues with clients. You work closely with attorneys who work in the child support field, and may also perform some functions similar to that of a paralegal.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child support specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Support Specialist, you need a solid understanding of family law, case management, and investigative techniques, typically supported by a degree in criminal justice, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with case management software, state and federal databases, and legal documentation systems is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for working with families and navigating sensitive situations. These skills ensure fair and accurate case handling, efficient enforcement of child support, and positive outcomes for children and families.

What are some common challenges child support specialists face when working with clients, and how can they effectively address them?

Child Support Specialists often encounter challenges such as navigating emotionally charged situations, working with uncooperative parties, and managing complex cases with multiple stakeholders. To address these challenges, specialists rely on strong communication and conflict resolution skills, a thorough understanding of relevant laws and procedures, and collaboration with other agencies or departments. Staying organized and empathetic helps build trust with clients, ensuring positive outcomes for families and children.

What is the difference between Child Support Specialist vs Family Case Manager?

AspectChild Support SpecialistFamily Case Manager
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a college degree or certification in social servicesHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires social work or counseling certification
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, courts, or child support enforcement officesSocial service agencies, community organizations, or government programs
Employer & IndustryPublic sector, child support enforcement agenciesPublic and nonprofit social service organizations
Common Search & ComparisonChild Support Specialist vs Family Case Manager

Child Support Specialists focus on establishing and enforcing child support payments, working primarily within government agencies. Family Case Managers provide broader social services, including family counseling and resource coordination. While both roles require social service knowledge and work in related environments, Child Support Specialists concentrate on financial support issues, whereas Family Case Managers address overall family welfare.

More about Child Support Specialist jobs

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Child Support Specialist jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Child Support Specialist job openings:

Child Support Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Support Specialist job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,839 per year, or $24 per hour.

Child Welfare Specialist

Springfield, IL • On-site

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois
Individual, Family and Community Social Assistance • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinoisexternal

$57K - $60K/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois
Effective Date: March 1, 2024
NON-MANAGEMENT JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Child Welfare Specialist
Exempt/Non-exempt: EXEMPT
Immediate Supervisor: Program Manager
Salary Range: $57,079 - $60,079
Benefits: Click Here to view LCFS’ Full-Time Employee Benefits.
Essential Functions:
  1. Primarily responsible for overseeing children and families assigned to Lutheran Child and Family Services for providing child welfare services which includes monitoring the child’s well-being, the birth parents progress towards reunification, facilitating home visits and communicating appropriate information to foster families in their efforts to assist the child and birth parents. Transport child and parents at times in own vehicle. May work evening and some weekends in order to complete tasks. May travel to high-risk communities. Provide on-call services as assigned.
  2. Exercises discretion and sound judgment in performance of duties in conformance with applicable policies, procedures, statutes, rules and regulations.
  3. Implementation and referral of individualized and targeted services for youth and families, such as counseling, respite, mentoring, educational support, case management, crisis intervention, and continual language to services to meet the specialize needs of children/families.
  4. Collaborate regularly with multi-disciplinary teams and partners for continuous quality improvement, interventions, service delivery and the achievement of program outcomes.
  5. Actively participate in System of Care including the regular participation in clinical and medical staffing’s and level of care.
  6. Actively participate in regular supervision, mediation, problem resolution, and crisis response by effectively responding to parent, child, provider and other stakeholder concerns and demonstrating the ability to effectively manage crisis and difficult case situations. (This includes on-call support.)
  7. Assesses and maintains knowledge of child welfare and population specific laws, policies and trends for recommending program adjustments and implementation that aides program effectiveness, children, families and communities.
  8. Achieve organizational performance outcomes on Key performance indicators metrics/dashboard towards safety, permanency, well-being and overall agency performance outcomes
  9. Represents clients’ needs and Agency interest to referral sources, DCFS, the judicial system and governmental agencies.
  10. Continuously assesses the child’s needs related to safety, education, medical and social and psychological well-being. Prepares accurate, timely required written, and verbal reports to the court and collateral contact information as appropriate upholding all consents and confidentiality issues. Handles all crisis situation and client complains with sensitivity and consults with supervisory chain when appropriate to resolve the matter.
  11. Complies with all requirements regarding utilization of the DCFS electronic record-keeping system (SACWIS). Prepares written service plans for each client as required by DCFS contract. Maintains up-to-date and accurate client files and databases, as required by agency/programmatic policies and procedures, professional standards, and external requirements of all relevant, regulatory, licensing, or accrediting body’s. Implements, continuous quality improvement in all aspects of performance.
  12. Engages the child, the birth parents, and the foster parents in competently assessing the dynamics of the relationships and establishes a therapeutic alliance. Teaches effective parenting skills specific to the needs of the child and family.
  13. Maintains knowledge of community resources and coordinates appropriate referrals and follow up as needed and required for child, birth, parents, and foster parents. Establishes collaborative relationships with agency team members such as Case Aide, other child, welfare, specialists, service, providers, and institutions.
  14. Provides a welcoming and receptive environment in all contacts with clients, agency, staff and collateral contacts. Develops understanding and continuously develops self-awareness related to diversity, inclusion, and equity issues.
  15. Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Ability Requirements:
  • Ability to drive one’s own vehicle and transport children, youth, and adults as needed.
  • In-depth knowledge of child welfare systems, regulations, and best practices.
  • Strong case management skills, including assessments, service planning, and progress monitoring.
  • Ability to advocate for children's rights and best interests within the child welfare system.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective interaction with families, children, professionals, and agencies.
  • Ability to provide crisis intervention and support to children and families facing challenging circumstances.
Background and Driving Requirements:
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required background checks, including but not limited to criminal background checks and CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System) checks, as required by law and agency policy. Candidates must also possess a reliable vehicle and have a valid driver’s license and must not have had a suspended or revoked driver’s license within the past three years.
Education and Experience:
Bachelors in a related human service field with 1 year of related experience in child welfare, case management, or a related role, with a demonstrated track record of expertise in specialized child and family services. A Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL) in IL is required. (Proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in English and Spanish preferred.)
Physical Demands and Other Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties listed in the job description satisfactorily. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, or controls; reach with hands and arms. Capable of operating standard office equipment, including a computer and keyboard, calculator, typical business machines such as a fax machine and copier. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to have valid driver’s license, auto insurance and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. The work environment characteristics include a noise level which is usually low to moderate.
Position Responsibilities/Program Execution and Decision Making:
  • Diversity and Inclusion/ Professionalism: In all aspects of their work presents as a role model to others, behaving in a way which actively supports LCFS as a welcoming community, promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace and collaborates with others to further equity and dismantle barriers to a more inclusive experience of community. Participates in annual professional development and/or advocacy regarding inclusion.
  • Ethical Conduct: Follows all ethics policies and procedures related to program execution and decision making as defined by the agency as well as any related professional licensing, regulatory or accrediting body. Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information. Reports any known or suspected breaches of confidentiality in accordance with policy. Reports possible misconduct or relevant errors/ oversight in a timely manner and responsibly addresses related issues with chain of command.
  • Communication/ Interpersonal Skills: Consistently conveys clear, accurate, timely, and respectful communication appropriate for the situation. Informs appropriate management staff when incident occurs or a crisis situation. Maintains professional boundaries with clients/residents, staff, interns, volunteers, and vendors. Able to successfully share skills and concepts with others and works effectively with others under time and environmental pressures.
  • Safety and Agency Resource Utilization: Demonstrates sound judgement and foresight in safety awareness and in daily work. Notifies, in a timely manner, the supervisory chain of any incidents or circumstances that need attention. Report all suspicions or allegations of abuse immediately to their supervisor. Ensures appropriate utilization of materials and resources and minimizes waste.
  • Other Responsibilities: All other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
LCFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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