subsidy support specialist

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: 52887
Closing Date: 02/04/2026
​Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Class Title: CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST
Skill Option: UMP Credential 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $6,242/ monthly; Full Range $6,242- $9,021/ monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Champaign
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC063 Professional Employees, Educators,Juvenile Justice School Counselors and Special Education Resources Coordinators,and Physicians AFSCME

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 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.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Subsidy Support Specialist.  Under general supervision, this position will provide professional child welfare adoption and subsidized guardianship services to pre and post adoption and subsidized guardianship families.  The position will identify children appropriate for adoption/guardianship and conduct assessments and home studies to determine the suitability of prospective adoptive homes.  This position provides a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about children and interested in playing a role in ensuring that children and youth find their forever home.  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

• Serves as Subsidy Support Specialist   
• Prepares and counsels birth parents and adoptive families regarding placement or conversion to adoption or subsidized guardianship
• Prepares and maintains necessary case documentation for planning, implementing, and evaluating services
• Maintains case files to ensure the presence of requisite legal documents, including court orders, financial or subsidy agreements, home studies, investigations and background checks, assessments, and diagnostic/medical reports
• Responds to informational requests regarding adoption services and shares expertise in adoption with child welfare staff in both public and private delivery systems (i.e., CPS/CWS staff, new workers, Adoption Preservation program staff, etc.
• Reviews billings and contracts regarding adoption and guardianship assistance cases for accuracy of information
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

• 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 requires a bachelor's degree in social work and one year of directly related professional casework/case management experience; 
• OR requires a bachelor's degree in a related human service field and two years of directly related professional casework/case management 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.  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.

• Requires a 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.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the 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. As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:
• A Pension Program
• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including 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: 

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm
Headquarter Location: 2125 S 1st St, Champaign, Illinois, 61820
Work County: Champaign
Agency Contact: Quiana Richardson
Email:
Posting Group: Social Services

This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP). General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles.  To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.

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  homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the "View Profile" link in the top right of the  homepage in the blue ribbon.  If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an