Apply »

Early Childhood Grant Program Specialist (SOCIAL SERV PROGRAM PLANNER IV)

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students.  To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history.  Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history.  To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.
Date:  Apr 28, 2026
Location: 

Chicago, IL, US, 60603

Job Requisition ID:  55400

Job Requisition ID: 55400 
Opening Date: 04/28/2026
Closing Date: 05/12/2026
Agency: Department of Early Childhood
Class Title: SOCIAL SERV PROGRAM PLANNER IV (41314) 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/2026) $7,602 monthly; Full Range $7,602 - $11,110 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 6
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code: N/A

 

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.

 

 

Position Overview:

The Early Childhood Grant Program Specialist supports the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) in advancing high‑quality early childhood education and care across the state. This role is responsible for reviewing program content, analyzing data, managing grant-related activities, and collaborating with internal and external partners to strengthen IDEC’s Early Childhood Block Grant initiatives.

 

           

Illinois Department of Early Childhood offers a robust benefit package including:

  • Monday-Friday schedule
  • Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
  • Paid Parental leave
  • Pension Plan
  • Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs
  • Employees earn (12) paid sick days annually
  • (10-25) paid vacation days (based on years of service)
  • Employees earn (3) paid personal days (pro-rated based on start date)
  • (13-14) paid state holidays annually

Work hours and schedule will be mutually agreed upon by supervisor during the onboarding process.

 

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.

Essential Functions

  • Serves as the Early Childhood Grant Program Specialist for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC).
  • Conducts content reviews and data analysis to improve IDEC initiatives related to the agency’s Early Childhood Block Grant programs.
  • Manages grants and contracts, including developing program deliverables, providing guidance on program direction, supporting programs, and managing needed contracting or budgetary functions for federal and/or state grants.
  • Facilitates and/or represents IDEC at internal and/or external workgroups, advisory councils, meetings, retreats, forums, and conferences relevant to early childhood education and care programs.
  • Participates in training as necessary to strengthen both staff and the Division.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Specialized Skills

  • Requires two (2) years of professional experience working in the field of early childhood.
  • Requires two (2) years of professional experience working with early childhood block grant programs within the past 5 years (2021-2026) and implementing early childhood education initiatives for a public entity.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of a master's degree.
  • Requires two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in community organization, social service work or in program planning and development.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Two (2) years of professional experience working in the field of early childhood.
  • Two (2) years of professional experience working with early childhood block grant programs within the past 5 years (2021-2026) and implementing early childhood education initiatives for a public entity.
  • Two (2) years of professional experience in the development and implementation of programs related to Preschool for All or a similar initiative.
  • Two (2) years of professional experience developing, implementing, and/or evaluating new and revised methods, procedures, and performance standards for early childhood education and care that adhere to state and/or federal mandates.
  • Two (2) years of professional experience in collecting, analyzing, and/or overseeing multifaceted data to track performance and outcomes for service delivery enhancements at a public or private organization.
  • Prefers the ability to communicate orally and in writing and the ability to research and critically analyze potential issues.

Conditions of Employment

  • Requires a criminal history check through the Illinois State Police. 
  • Requires ability to use state issued equipment, such as a cell phone, laptop, etc.
  • Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
  • Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
  • Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
  • Requires basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive.

*The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Headquarter Location: 115 S Lasalle St, Chicago, Illinois, 60603
Work County: Cook
Email: dec.jobs@illinois.gov 

Posting Group: Education; Social Services

 

This position does contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

 

Revolving Door:
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use 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 Aid

Non-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.com
  • systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com


Nearest Major Market: Chicago

Apply »