Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

CHILD DEVELOPMENT AIDE

DEERFIELD, ILPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

  • Job overview

    The Child Development Aide role supports child welfare efforts by assisting with placements and ensuring the safety and well-being of children within the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The role involves assisting with child placements, transporting children to appointments, observing and reporting on children's behavior and health, supporting child welfare specialists, attending team meetings, and performing related duties.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The position offers a starting salary of approximately $4,258 per month with a full range of $4,209 to $5,680 per month, union benefits, competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and a pension program.

  • Career development

    The job offers various avenues for career advancement within the State of Illinois and opportunities to build a rewarding career with strong benefits and retirement packages.

  • Work environment and culture

    The work culture emphasizes compassion, equity, dedication, and making a positive impact on families and children in Illinois, with flexible job options and a supportive environment.

  • Company information

    The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is a state agency focused on protecting and supporting children and families in Illinois through various programs and services.

  • Job location and travel

    The position is based in Cook County, Illinois, with duties including travel to transport children to placements and appointments.

  • Application process

    Applicants must apply electronically through the specified Illinois job portal; paper or email applications are not accepted.

  • Unique job features

    The role uniquely combines direct child welfare support with transportation duties and observation responsibilities, offering a meaningful impact on child safety and permanency.

Company overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is a state agency dedicated to protecting children from abuse and neglect while supporting families to ensure child safety and well-being. They make money through state and federal funding, grants, and partnerships with various organizations. Established in 1964, DCFS has a significant history of evolving child welfare policies and programs, emphasizing family preservation, foster care, and adoption services. The agency plays a crucial role in advocating for children's rights and providing essential resources to families in need.

How to land this job

  • Tailor your resume to emphasize your experience working with children, your organizational skills, and your ability to support child welfare specialists, as these are key components of the Child Development Aide role at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

  • Highlight your communication skills and any experience in observing and reporting on children's behavior, which aligns with the job's responsibility to monitor children's mental, social, and overall health.

  • Apply through multiple platforms such as the official Illinois Job Link website and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and ensure you meet the official electronic application requirement.

  • Connect with current employees in the child welfare or permanency divisions at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services on LinkedIn; start conversations by referencing recent department initiatives or asking about the team culture to break the ice.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by including keywords from the job description such as 'child welfare,' 'permanency assistant,' 'observation,' 'communication skills,' and 'organizational skills' to ensure your resume passes automated screenings.

  • Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate applying through multiple channels, tailor your resume for ATS optimization, and identify LinkedIn contacts to network with, freeing you to focus on preparing for interviews and other job search activities.

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