Kankakee Times

In a recent Facebook post, Illinois state Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) urged his constituents to look at Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) job openings and webinars if they are interested in child welfare careers.

"If you are considering a career in child welfare, check out the available webinars and job openings," he said in the post.

Barickman shared a link to a page identifying available DCFS jobs, webinars and workshops that might be of interest to constituents who are interested in working in child welfare as a career.

The website also explains internships available to students.

"DCFS ACADEMIC INTERNSHIPS - The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services offers several programs for college students to gain experience working in the child welfare field," the website said. "For more information about our academic internship, university partnership and shadow programs, click here."

Passages on the website also explain what the department does.

"The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is the state agency charged with safeguarding the welfare of Illinois children," the website said. "DCFS is a large, nationally recognized and respected child welfare agency."

DCFS is looking to fill new positions, including caseworkers, investigators, attorneys, accountants, supervisors, managers, computer programmers and administrative professionals.

DCFS is also trying to boost employment for disabled people. 

"Central Management Services Division of Examining and Counseling administers several programs including the Accommodated Testing Program, Alternative Employment Program (AEP) and Successful Disability (SD) Opportunities Program for people with disabilities through the Disabled Workers Program," the DCFS website said. "These programs help meet the directive required by P.A. 96-0078, effective July 24, 2009; which requires CMS and other state agencies to develop and implement programs to increase the number of qualified employees with disabilities working for the state."

Barickman was first elected to the Illinois Senate in 2012, his website biography said. He is the Senate Republican Caucus chair and serves as floor leader for the Senate Republican Caucus and minority spokesperson for the Executive Committee. He is also a member of the Assignments, Energy and Public Utilities, Judiciary and Labor committees.