What are the responsibilities and job description for the ADVOCACY SPECIALIST position at State of Illinois?
Agency : Department of Children and Family ServicesClass Title : SOCIAL SERV PROGRAM PLANNER IV - 41314 Advocacy- SpringfieldSkill Option : NoneBilingual Option : NoneClosing Date / Time : 03 / 06 / 2025Salary : Anticipated Starting Salary $7066 / month; Full Salary Range $7066-$10326 / monthJob Type : SalariedCategory : Full TimeCounty : SangamonNumber of Vacancies : 1Plan / BU : RC062REQ # : 44471This 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.Why Work for Illinois?Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.Position SummaryThe 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.Essential FunctionsServes as Advocacy SpecialistResearches Department policy and prepares necessary information for review by administrative staffProvides 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 OfficeCoordinates and facilitates complaint or problem resolution using statewide resources and contacts that include field, regional, and central office staff in other agenciesDevelops and drafts responses for the Administrator’s signature for the Governor, Director, Deputy Director, Legislative Office, and other administrative and executive staffIdentifies and assesses specific issues requiring the attention of the Inspector GeneralCollaborates with the Office of Education and Transition Services regarding Youth Advisory Board (YAB)Utilizes interpersonal communication skills with considerable independenceUtilizes computer skills to maintain files, research cases, and obtain necessary data to assess and strategize case situationsPerforms other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated aboveMinimum QualificationsRequires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of a master’s degreeRequires two years of progressively responsible professional experience in community organization, social service work, or in program planning and developmentPreferred Qualifications2 years of experience analyzing and reviewing case situations in a public or private social welfare agency2 years of experience conducting an official complaint and problem resolution process in a public or private organization2 years of experience conducting research in a public or private organization2 years of experience in a public or private organization utilizing thorough knowledge of the structure, organization, and methods of social welfare institutions2 years of experience in a public or private organization utilizing advanced technical ability to analyze and evaluate programs and operationsConditions of EmploymentRequires ability to travel in the performance of duties. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.Requires ability to pass a background check.The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.About the AgencyDCFS 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.Work Hours : Monday-Friday 8 : 30am-5 : 00pmWork Location : 4 W Old State Capitol Plz, Springfield, Illinois, 62701-1222Agency Contact : Lily KoehlEmail : lillian.koehl@illinois.govPosting Group : Social ServicesPUC # : 90684045This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONSUse the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources : State employees : Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job AidNon-State employees : on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses : donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.comsystems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
Salary : $7,066 - $10,326
