Illinois / Children and Family Services / Child Welfare Specialist

Job-title file

Child Welfare Specialist

Coordinate and deliver a specific program area, supporting planning, outreach, and daily operations.

898 employees hold this title in Children and Family Services. Median total compensation for the role is $80,200, below the department median of $90,550.

Employees: 898
Total payroll: $63.6M
Role median: $80,200
Agency median: $90,550
Comparison: Below

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$700$130,930+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 898 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compare jurisdictions

Child Welfare Specialist beyond Illinois

This role is reported in 2 jurisdictions. In Illinois, the median of $80,200 ranks #1 of 2. See Child Welfare Specialist across all of Illinois →

Highest-paying jurisdictions for this role

New York City

$72,197 · 170

Median total compensation for comparable Child Welfare Specialistroles in other jurisdictions. Titles are matched by normalized name across sources, not identical job classification, and pay is not cost-of-living adjusted. Each bar links to that jurisdiction’s page for the role.

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 2

Lauren Wilson

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,800

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,800
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,800
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Cook

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,200
Rutan Exempt: No

Lauren Wilson is a Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. 2025 total compensation came to $76,800. Union affiliation: Collective Bargaining.

Chelsea Bell

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,700

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,700
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,700
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Coles

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,300
Rutan Exempt: No

Chelsea Bell holds the role of Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. In 2025, their total compensation was $76,700. Their bargaining unit is Collective Bargaining.

Felicia Foster

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,600

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,600
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,600
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Will

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,300
Rutan Exempt: No

Felicia Foster holds the role of Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. In 2025, their total compensation was $76,600. They are represented by Collective Bargaining.

Jacob Johnson-Grubaugh

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,600

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,600
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,600
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Macon

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,300
Rutan Exempt: No

Jacob Johnson-Grubaugh is a Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. 2025 total compensation came to $76,600. They are represented by Collective Bargaining.

Breanna Woodard

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,400

Sub-department: Foster Care Initiative
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,400
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,400
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Cook

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,200
Rutan Exempt: No

At Children and Family Services, Breanna Woodard serves as a Child Welfare Specialist within Foster Care Initiative. Their 2025 pay totaled $76,400. Union affiliation: Collective Bargaining.

Nicole Madison

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,400

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,400
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,400
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Rock Island

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,300
Rutan Exempt: No

At Children and Family Services, Nicole Madison serves as a Child Welfare Specialist within Personal Services Bu. Their 2025 pay totaled $76,400. They are represented by Collective Bargaining.

Michelle Niesman

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,400

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,400
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,400
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Sangamon

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: PROB 6 MOS
Period Pay Rate: $3,300
Rutan Exempt: No

Michelle Niesman holds the role of Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. In 2025, their total compensation was $76,400. Their bargaining unit is Collective Bargaining.

Samantha Simpson

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,400

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,400
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,400
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Jefferson

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,300
Rutan Exempt: No

Samantha Simpson works as a Child Welfare Specialist for Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. Samantha earned $76,400 in 2025. Their bargaining unit is Collective Bargaining.

Sharon Hilliard

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,400

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,400
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,400
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Cook

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: PROB 6 MOS
Period Pay Rate: $3,300
Rutan Exempt: No

Sharon Hilliard works as a Child Welfare Specialist for Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. Sharon earned $76,400 in 2025. Union affiliation: Collective Bargaining.

Ayanna Ward

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,400

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,400
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,400
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Cook

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: TRAINEE OC LIST
Period Pay Rate: $3,500
Rutan Exempt: No

Ayanna Ward holds the role of Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. In 2025, their total compensation was $76,400. They are represented by Collective Bargaining.

Donald Crews

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,300

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,300
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,300
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Vermilion

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,300
Rutan Exempt: No

Donald Crews is a Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. 2025 total compensation came to $76,300. Union affiliation: Collective Bargaining.

Kathryn Snow

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,300

Sub-department: Personal Services
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,300
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,300
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Jefferson

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,300
Rutan Exempt: No

Kathryn Snow works as a Child Welfare Specialist for Children and Family Services within Personal Services. Kathryn earned $76,300 in 2025. Union affiliation: Collective Bargaining.

Adline Lane

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,300

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,300
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,300
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Kankakee

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,200
Rutan Exempt: No

At Children and Family Services, Adline Lane serves as a Child Welfare Specialist within Personal Services Bu. Their 2025 pay totaled $76,300. Union affiliation: Collective Bargaining.

Jessica Long

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,300

Sub-department: Targeted Case Management
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,300
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,300
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: St Clair

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: No
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $4,100
Rutan Exempt: No

Jessica Long is a Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Targeted Case Management. 2025 total compensation came to $76,300. Union affiliation: Collective Bargaining.

Alec Johnson

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,200

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,200
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,200
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Sangamon

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,300
Rutan Exempt: No

Alec Johnson works as a Child Welfare Specialist for Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. Alec earned $76,200 in 2025. Their bargaining unit is Collective Bargaining.

Lindsey Dalpozzo

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,200

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,200
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,200
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Macoupin

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,300
Rutan Exempt: No

Lindsey Dalpozzo works as a Child Welfare Specialist for Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. Lindsey earned $76,200 in 2025. Union affiliation: Collective Bargaining.

Sandy Woodward

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,200

Sub-department: Targeted Case Management
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,200
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,200
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Coles

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,300
Rutan Exempt: No

Sandy Woodward works as a Child Welfare Specialist for Children and Family Services within Targeted Case Management. Sandy earned $76,200 in 2025. Union affiliation: Collective Bargaining.

Ashley Malone

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$76,200

Sub-department: Foster Care Initiative
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $76,200
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $76,200
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Cook

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: PROB 6 MOS
Period Pay Rate: $3,300
Rutan Exempt: No

Ashley Malone is a Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Foster Care Initiative. 2025 total compensation came to $76,200. They are represented by Collective Bargaining.

Daniela Fernandez

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$75,800

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $75,800
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $75,800
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Cook

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: TRAINEE OC LIST
Period Pay Rate: $3,100
Rutan Exempt: No

Daniela Fernandez holds the role of Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. In 2025, their total compensation was $75,800. Union affiliation: Collective Bargaining.

Lulvera Estrefi

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$75,400

Sub-department: Personal Services
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $75,400
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $75,400
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Cook

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: PROB 6 MOS
Period Pay Rate: $3,200
Rutan Exempt: No

Lulvera Estrefi is a Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Personal Services. 2025 total compensation came to $75,400. Union affiliation: Collective Bargaining.

Rachel Vogel

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$75,200

Sub-department: Personal Services
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $75,200
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $75,200
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Jefferson

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,200
Rutan Exempt: No

Rachel Vogel works as a Child Welfare Specialist for Children and Family Services within Personal Services. Rachel earned $75,200 in 2025. Their bargaining unit is Collective Bargaining.

Cassandra Clarry

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$75,200

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $75,200
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $75,200
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Jefferson

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,200
Rutan Exempt: No

Cassandra Clarry works as a Child Welfare Specialist for Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. Cassandra earned $75,200 in 2025. Their bargaining unit is Collective Bargaining.

Aniya White

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$75,000

Sub-department: Targeted Case Management
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $75,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $75,000
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Mclean

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: TRAINEE OC LIST
Period Pay Rate: $3,200
Rutan Exempt: No

At Children and Family Services, Aniya White serves as a Child Welfare Specialist within Targeted Case Management. Their 2025 pay totaled $75,000. They are represented by Collective Bargaining.

Vincent Rodriguez

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$74,800

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $74,800
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $74,800
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Sangamon

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: No
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $5,800
Rutan Exempt: No

At Children and Family Services, Vincent Rodriguez serves as a Child Welfare Specialist within Personal Services Bu. Their 2025 pay totaled $74,800. Their bargaining unit is Collective Bargaining.

Gabrielle Joseph

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2023 total comp

$74,100

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $74,100
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $74,100
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Cook

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: No
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $900
Rutan Exempt: No

Gabrielle Joseph works as a Child Welfare Specialist for Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. Gabrielle earned $74,100 in 2023. Union affiliation: Collective Bargaining.

Kindra Smith

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2024 total comp

$73,800

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $73,800
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $73,800
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Macon

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: No
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $4,000
Rutan Exempt: No

At Children and Family Services, Kindra Smith serves as a Child Welfare Specialist within Personal Services Bu. Their 2024 pay totaled $73,800. Their bargaining unit is Collective Bargaining.

Stacey Niemann

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$73,200

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $73,200
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $73,200
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Sangamon

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: PROB 6 MOS
Period Pay Rate: $1,900
Rutan Exempt: No

Stacey Niemann holds the role of Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. In 2025, their total compensation was $73,200. Union affiliation: Collective Bargaining.

Kristy Shillings

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2023 total comp

$73,100

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $73,100
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $73,100
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Sangamon

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: No
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,900
Rutan Exempt: No

Kristy Shillings works as a Child Welfare Specialist for Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. Kristy earned $73,100 in 2023. Union affiliation: Collective Bargaining.

Jonathan Beech

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2024 total comp

$72,900

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $72,900
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $72,900
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Cook

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: PROB 6 MOS
Period Pay Rate: $1,700
Rutan Exempt: No

Jonathan Beech is a Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. 2024 total compensation came to $72,900. Their bargaining unit is Collective Bargaining.

Samantha Borman

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2023 total comp

$72,800

Sub-department: Targeted Case Management
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $72,800
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $72,800
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Morgan

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: No
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $600
Rutan Exempt: No

Samantha Borman holds the role of Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Targeted Case Management. In 2023, their total compensation was $72,800. Their bargaining unit is Collective Bargaining.

Nia Mcfarland-Drye

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2023 total comp

$72,700

Sub-department: Targeted Case Management
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $72,700
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $72,700
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Peoria

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: No
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $800
Rutan Exempt: No

Nia Mcfarland-Drye is a Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Targeted Case Management. 2023 total compensation came to $72,700. They are represented by Collective Bargaining.

Amanda Espenschied

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$72,600

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $72,600
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $72,600
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Sangamon

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: TRAINEE OC LIST
Period Pay Rate: $3,300
Rutan Exempt: No

Amanda Espenschied holds the role of Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. In 2025, their total compensation was $72,600. Union affiliation: Collective Bargaining.

Luke Thompson

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$72,500

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $72,500
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $72,500
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Jefferson

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: No
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $4,500
Rutan Exempt: No

Luke Thompson holds the role of Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. In 2025, their total compensation was $72,500. They are represented by Collective Bargaining.

Morgan Kennedy

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$72,400

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $72,400
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $72,400
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Adams

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,300
Rutan Exempt: No

Morgan Kennedy works as a Child Welfare Specialist for Children and Family Services within Personal Services Bu. Morgan earned $72,400 in 2025. Union affiliation: Collective Bargaining.

Tiffany Johnson

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2024 total comp

$72,400

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $72,400
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $72,400
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Dupage

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: No
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $4,800
Rutan Exempt: No

At Children and Family Services, Tiffany Johnson serves as a Child Welfare Specialist within Personal Services Bu. Their 2024 pay totaled $72,400. Their bargaining unit is Collective Bargaining.

Gabriel Clay

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2024 total comp

$72,400

Sub-department: Foster Care Initiative
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $72,400
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $72,400
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: St Clair

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: No
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $4,200
Rutan Exempt: No

Gabriel Clay is a Child Welfare Specialist at Children and Family Services within Foster Care Initiative. 2024 total compensation came to $72,400. Their bargaining unit is Collective Bargaining.

Michelle Alling

Child Welfare Specialist/Children and Family Services

2025 total comp

$72,400

Sub-department: Personal Services Bu
Base pay: $0
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $72,400
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $72,400
Union / bargaining unit: Collective Bargaining
Work county: Kankakee

Source-specific fields

4-D Exempt: Yes
Employment Status: CERTIFIED
Period Pay Rate: $3,300
Rutan Exempt: No

At Children and Family Services, Michelle Alling serves as a Child Welfare Specialist within Personal Services Bu. Their 2025 pay totaled $72,400. Their bargaining unit is Collective Bargaining.