ADVOCACY SPECIALIST

Position Summary

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.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Advocacy Specialist
• Researches Department policy and prepares necessary information for review by administrative staff
• 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
• Coordinates and facilitates complaint or problem resolution using statewide resources and contacts that include field, regional, and central office staff in other agencies
• Develops and drafts responses for the Administrator’s signature for the Governor, Director, Deputy Director, Legislative Office, and other administrative and executive staff
• Identifies and assesses specific issues requiring the attention of the Inspector General
• Collaborates with the Office of Education and Transition Services regarding Youth Advisory Board (YAB)
• Utilizes interpersonal communication skills with considerable independence
• Utilizes computer skills to maintain files, research cases, and obtain necessary data to assess and strategize case situations
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of experience analyzing and reviewing case situations in a public or private social welfare agency
• 2 years of experience conducting an official complaint and problem resolution process in a public or private organization
• 2 years of experience conducting research in a public or private organization
• 2 years of experience in a public or private organization utilizing thorough knowledge of the structure, organization, and methods of social welfare institutions
• 2 years of experience in a public or private organization utilizing advanced technical ability to analyze and evaluate programs and operations

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
2. Requires ability to pass a background check.
3. The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

DCFS 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.