Dcfs Caseworker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Case Practice Reviewer

Children and Family Research Center (CFRC)

School of Social Work

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Located Statewide in Illinois

Job Summary
Participate, lead and potentially develop qualitative case reviews. Qualitative reviews are intensive reviews of Child Welfare cases utilizing a standardized review tool and protocol, which includes file reviews and extensive interviews in order to understand the current outcomes experienced by the child and family, identify strengths and areas in need of improvement, and to communicate those to direct service staff and administrators for practice and system improvement. The various qualitative review processes are always subject to change based on operational need. The below duties and responsibilities are general and apply to qualitative case reviews that occur.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Read each case electronically and hard file documents as needed.
• Enter information into a database using an inclusive narrative format. Conduct phone or virtual interviews with parents, youth, staff, and other stakeholders. Attend and participate in each case staffing/team and provide reports during the staffing through discussion of qualitative case findings, identify strengths and needs of each case reviewed, answer questions, and report on trends identified. For one qualitative review process in particular, identify potential team members for a family and assist the caseworker with convening a Child and Family Team Meeting as needed.
• Responsible for organizing and conducting comprehensive interviews with family members, caseworkers, supervisors, foster parents, and other stakeholders that are identified from reviewing the electronic case file.
• Complete a standardized case review tool, utilizing all of the information gathered through the case file review and through interviews, determine the most appropriate responses and case ratings, then data enter case ratings into an established database at the conclusion of each review.
• Author professional reports that synthesize large amounts of qualitative information from a variety of sources into short, concise, accurate narrative, using a standardized format.
• Statewide travel for conducting evening interviews, as well as extended stays, as needed.
• Participate in other related duties as assigned that could include writing ad hoc reports and presenting findings upon request.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations
Statewide travel required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field. At least three (3) years of work experience in child welfare field.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Social Work or related field. At least three (3) years of work experience in child welfare as a caseworker, supervisor, or CQI staff, including experience completing qualitative case reviews. CWEL licensure. Fluency in a second language. Knowledge of SPSS or SAS.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Understanding and working knowledge of Illinois' child welfare system and the ability to apply them to both micro-level and systemic foster care issues i.e., DCFS Rules and Procedures, performance standards, court processes, etc. A thorough knowledge of the new practice model and an ability to relate it to feedback provided. Understanding of program monitoring and quality improvement processes. Strong communication skills to present high-level and complicated data and information to small, medium, and large audiences, consisting of all types of staff, caseworker to the DCFS Director. Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally in person and virtual platforms. Knowledge facilitating large groups of child welfare professionals (direct staff and quality improvement staff) to evaluate and understand detailed data sets, identify areas in need of improvement, develop improvement activities and implementation steps, and ongoing monitoring of the activities in order to adjust as needed. Ability to facilitate smaller case-specific group meetings, including development of a clear agenda and desired outcomes. Ability to conduct in-person interviews with all levels of client stakeholders, including interviews with children, adolescents, young adults, and child welfare staff. Able to work well in a team environment as well as independently. Working knowledge of research concepts, data analysis and reporting. Computer literate, particularly in Microsoft Office products (Excel specifically). Proficient in interviewing, with excellent writing skills and ability to present findings to small and large groups.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search posting closes. Remote work options may be available
for this position, with the ability to be on-site as needed per the
University's Workplace Flexibility policy. This position is not eligible
for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. The budgeted salary range
for this position is $58,000-$62,000. Salary is competitive and
commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering
internal equity.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 08, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Upload your cover letter, resume, and names and
contact information for three professional references. If required by the
position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided
no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact SW-HR@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1037176
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

Apply Now