Social Services Program Planner IV

at Illinois Department of Children & Family Services in Springfield, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Springfield, IL, US, 62701-1222

 Agency :  Department of Children and Family Services 

Working Title: Advocacy Specialist 

Supervisor: Rita Robson
Closing Date/Time: 07/30/2024 
Salary:   Anticipated Starting Salary $7066/month (Effective 7/1/24); Full Salary Range $7066-$10326/month  
Job Type:   Salaried 
County:   Sangamon  
Number of Vacancies:   1  
Plan/BU: RC062   

REQ #: 39336

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Advocacy Specialist. Subject to management approval, this position will manage case situations which are made directly or referred to the Advocacy Office involving complaints, problems, concerns, questions, requests for service and information, and clarification of laws, policies, and procedures. The position will conduct research and analyze case situations, designing activities to correct problems and resolve issues. This position will also provide immediate intervention on specific cases that are brought to the attention of the Director’s Office from a variety of sources. This position provides a great opportunity for someone who is interested in working to resolve complaints and problematic issues related to case situations. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational and communication skills, with strong leadership capabilities. We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois.

1. Serves as Advocacy Specialist
2. Researches Department policy and prepares necessary information for review by administrative staff
3. Provides immediate intervention on specific cases that are brought to the attention of the Director’s Office from a variety of sources such as high-level administrators, media, legislators, and the Governor’s Office
4. Coordinates and facilitates complaint or problem resolution using statewide resources and contacts that include field, regional, and central office staff in other agencies
5. Develops and drafts responses for the Administrator’s signature for the Governor, Director, Deputy Director, Legislative Office, and other administrative and executive staff
6. Identifies and assesses specific issues requiring the attention of the Inspector General
7. Collaborates with the Office of Education and Transition Services regarding Youth Advisory Board (YAB)
8. Utilizes interpersonal communication skills with considerable independence
9. Utilizes computer skills to maintain files, research cases, and obtain necessary data to assess and strategize case situations
10. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above