Associate Deputy Director, Social Work Practice

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Associate Deputy Director of Social Work Practice & Field Support.  Subject to management approval, as a licensed clinical social worker, this position will plan, develop, and manage statewide programs of Social Work Practice and Field Support. The position will direct the integration and application of expert consultation within each region and design and implement evaluation tools.  This position provides a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about children and interested in providing leadership of the Department’s application of clinical services within the various regions of the state.  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 leadership 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.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Associate Deputy Director of Social Work Practice and Field Support.


• Serves as full line supervisor.


• Provides clinical consultation on the development of protocols for implementation.


• As a licensed clinical social worker and senior clinical consultant, provides research, analysis, and interpretation to senior and regional management in the design and tactical application of community-based services to client service planning and decision-making.


• Recruits qualified consultants for the social work and human services professional community.


• Provides technical assistance to community-based programs in the development of implementation strategies, application of services to department clients, in-reach training, and continuing education to staff.


• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a master’s degree in social work with appropriate state licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).


• Requires five or more years direct client service experience in a public or private child welfare setting and five or more years of experience in supervisory or administrative positions in public or private child welfare settings or in teaching positions in schools of social work. 

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years of experience supervising professional staff.


• 4 years of professional experience managing or conducting clinical social work services.


• 3 years of management experience in the oversight of a large program with multiple sites.


• 3 years of professional experience in the development and implementation of policies and procedures.


• 4 years of professional experience conducting planning activities on a statewide basis in a public or business organization. 

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to pass a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.


• Requires travel, a valid driver’s license, daily access to an automobile, and proof of vehicle insurance.


• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.


• 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 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: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx