Program Services Specialist (4835) Decatur, IL

Program Services Specialist (4835) Decatur, IL Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job Position Information Posting Detail Information Working Position Title Program Services Specialist (4835) Decatur, IL Classification Program Services Specialist Position Number 00004835 Open Date 06/02/2026 Close Date 06/17/2026 Priority Review Date Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time

FTE 1.00

Position Status Regular FLSA Exempt Job code 4774 Union Representation Non-Union Union Code N/A Unit/Department Ctr Child Welfare & Education College/Unit P20 Initiatives Network Division Outreach Engagemt Regl Dev Dv Location HS Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://ccwe.niu.edu/ Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications Overview The Center for Child Welfare and Education ( CCWE ) at NIU , an Illinois Board of Higher Education ( IBHE ) center, promotes equity by connecting the university, state government, communities, and families. CCWE advances better outcomes for vulnerable populations through policy development, services that foster educational success, and stable family structures. CCWE also trains educators and social workers to improve equitable service delivery and provides data to help youth and families access opportunities to succeed. The Marion, IL Education Advisor position will support the Department of Children and Family Services ( DCFS ) Marion Regional Office and children in foster care attending school in this area, furthering CCWE's mission to improve well-being and outcomes for vulnerable families. Position Summary This position will be working out of Decatur-Springfield, IL. The Education Advisor provides problem resolution, subject matter expertise, advocacy, and guidance for educational wellbeing of children and youth in foster care (youth in care). The education advisor possesses extensive knowledge and skills that help youth navigate the complex network of education (general, special and post-secondary) and child welfare. The education advisor also serves as education resource for youth in care, caregivers, child welfare caseworkers and administrators, school and district personnel, Guardian ad Litem ( GAL ), court personnel, etc. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Education Planning for Youth Engages in planning to ensure appropriate educational services for youth Develops intervention plans to address behaviors that mitigate school engagement and educational achievement Provides strategic education planning for youth relocating to new schools and/or school districts Develops and coordinates appropriate education plans for children and youth transitioning from one education level to another (preschool, elementary, secondary and post-secondary) Advocates for youth's best educational interests in school planning teams, such as Individualized Education Programs, 504 Plans, etc. Provides educational expertise in non-school planning teams such as CIPP , child and family teams, etc. Provides other guidance and recommendations to navigate educational issues and develop appropriate plans Educational Technical Assistance for Individuals Resolves issues that affect the education of individual youth involved with the Illinois foster care system Provides consultation on handling educational issues Provides direction, support and resources in assessing and dealing with the youths' educational needs to youth, caregivers and professionals including child welfare caseworkers and administrators, school and district personnel (teachers, administrators, social workers, etc.), CASA , GAL , POS education liaisons, attorneys, community providers, etc. Collaboration Across Systems Initiates and sustains collaborative relationships with local school staff and administrators and school district personnel that facilitate educational advocacy on behalf of youth in care Promotes communication and fosters collaboration between caregivers and school Fosters collaboration between caseworkers and school around youth's education Develops and implements collaborations to address the education of youth in care between DCFS and representatives from other state agencies (such as ISBE ), and between DCFS and medical facilities, community organizations, etc. as needed Collaborates with early intervention and early childhood to provide successful interventions, resources, and enrollment for children in care Supports DCFS in its effort to monitor and improve educational outcomes through collaboration with DCFS administrators, Administrative Case Review, dually involved specialists, Agency Performance Team, etc. Works collaboratively to develop strategies to promote educational wellbeing of youth in care Training and Professional Development/Building Capacity Develops and conducts training on evidence-based education best practice, state and federal educational laws, DCFS educational policies and protocol, etc. Builds capacity within child welfare through coaching and training caregivers and youth in care Builds capacity among DCFS and POS staff and administrators, POS educational liaisons, GALs, CASA and other court personnel through training and resources Provides professional development to school and district personnel on educational needs and challenges of youth who have been abused and neglected and/or in foster care Plans, organizes and promotes education training sessions Provides updates and resources on changes in federal and state rules and regulations pertaining to education, DCFS educational policies, procedures, protocols and initiatives Systems Intervention Identifies trends that affect children's educational process; and communicates and works with Center director and other designated administrators to resolve problems Assists in systems intervention activities and developing initiatives that address problematic trends Provides strategies for sustainable planning to address educational needs of youth Prepares and maintains documentation of clients served, work performed, and all other required documentation and reports Reports to supervisor and/or designee Operates as part of the NIU EAP team and adheres to NIU policies and employment guidelines, (and DCFS' when appropriate) Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service) Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below: Coursework in social work or behavioral sciences, or closely related field as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent: 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months) Associate's Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months) 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months) Bachelor's Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months) Progressively more responsible work experience in social service/ counseling at a paraprofessional level under qualified supervision. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service) Working knowledge of human nature. Ability to interview individuals to determine their physical, social, and/or possible psychological needs. Ability to organize, prepare, and maintain records, reports, files, and correspondence. Ability to obtain services necessary to meet participants' needs. Ability to establish effective working relationships with program participants and staff. Specialty Factors (Civil Service) None Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service) A Master's degree in education or other related fields and at least 5 years of experience in education or educational advocacy; or, a Bachelors degree and 7 to 10 years of experience in education, and/or educational advocacy. Extensive knowledge of federal and state education laws and educational best practice Exemplary human relations skills Exceptional advocacy skills Exemplary decision making and problem solving skills Ability to establish cooperative relationships with other individuals, groups and organizations Excellent written and oral communication skills, Ability to develop collaborations and function as part of a team, Ability to develop and conduct training and presentations Organizational and prioritization skills, Mediation and conflict resolution skills, General understanding of organizational structure and operations Understanding of child welfare Knowledge of educational challenges youth in care face and familiarity with solutions Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Outlook and Word) Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS) n/a Additional Requirements (SPS) n/a Preferred Qualifications (SPS) n/a Physical demands/requirements This position will be working out of Decatur-Springfield, IL. General office requirements. Appointment and Compensation Details Appointment and Compensation Details Anticipated Appointment Start Date 07/07/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours 8:30am - 5:00pm; Varies Salary $59,000.16 - $64,000.08/Annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $2,458.34 - $2,666.67/

Semi-monthly Earn Type Salary Application Procedure Application Procedure Application Procedure Application Procedures:

Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable Full time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience.

Important:

Please upload any unofficial transcript(s) and/or documentation that verifies any education, experience, and/or training you have received. If eligible for Veteran's Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination. After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this position. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register. Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from CivilServiceTesting@niu.edu . Please add this email to your address book to ensure timely delivery of any future communication. Illinois residency required within 180 days of the hire date.

Credentials Assessment Examination:

The examination for this position is a Credentials Assessment and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. A Credential Assessment is a rating by the Human Resources Office of an applicant's/employee's education, experience, and special credentials/qualifications (licenses, etc.). Applicants are required to upload documentation to verify the minimum qualifications for this position has been met. Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver's license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials. After assessment of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three (3) scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.

Additional Details:

Click on Program Services Specialist for more information including salary ranges, typical duties, minimum acceptable qualifications, and testing requirements. Applicants who may assume they do not meet the exact minimum qualifications are still invited to apply. Within the application documents, applicants should be sure to explain how their credentials and related qualifications address the requested minimum requirements. Please click on Human Resource Services - Benefits for detailed information about Northern Illinois University's benefits package. Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources. Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/92770 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator Health Services Building Room 230 TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu 815-753-5560 Visa Policy In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. ADA Accommodation NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at ada@niu.edu . Safety Information NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety. Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report . Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy. Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume/Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter List of at least 3 Professional References Optional Documents Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256) Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire) Other Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (

• ).

• What is the highest level of education attained? GED High School Diploma Associates Degree Bachelors Degree Masters Degree PHD
• Have you attached all transcripts to support the degrees you are submitting for consideration? Yes No
• How many years of experience do you have in this type of position? 0-1 1-3 3-5 5-7 7+
• Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. ("See Résumé" is not an acceptable response.) (Open Ended Question)
• If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for consideration of Veterans Preference Points?

The copy submitted should reflect the status of discharge in order to be considered. Yes No Not Applicable