UMP SCHOOL LIAISON

POSITION SUMMARY

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) is seeking to hire a Human Resources Specialist with the CMS Upward Mobility Program (UMP).  This position serves as the point of contact for AFSCME bargaining unit employees by providing them the opportunity for career counseling and access to UMP benefits.  In this role, you will be responsible for educating potential applicants on what programs are available to them, services in which they might qualify, and assistance with testing and/or the education required to reach their targeted career goals.  The ideal candidate will be detailed oriented, have a background in human resources benefit programs, and a working knowledge of the postsecondary education process.  We strongly value excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate to programs participants at all levels of understanding.  Come join our team and become a key part of helping us manage the counseling aspects of the Upward Mobility Program.  We invite interested candidates to apply.

POSITION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Under general function, serves in a professional capacity in the school program administration function for the Upward Mobility Program.
• Serves as liaison for CMS management, CMS Career Services and Hiring Resources, other CMS departments, universities/colleges, agency managers, labor relations, AFSCME and other stakeholders.
• Provides journey level advice and recommendations to management staff regarding evaluation aspects of the Upward Mobility Program and on a variety of evaluation issues. 
• Conducts special projects to research, develop, and implement new or enhance procedures related to participant evaluation and selection as directed by leadership in the Career Services and Hiring Resources Division

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 four years of college.
• Requires two years of professional human resources experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prefers one (1) year of professional experience in evaluating participant education, training, and experience using established criteria to make appropriate grading decisions to determine participant eligibility for position titles.
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience defining defensible grading criteria practices for use in a participant examining process.  
• Prefers two (2) years of professional aexpericne identifying and evaluating inefficiencies in operational practices/procedures and recommending alternative procedures.
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience working with Personnel Coes, Personnel Rules, a Position Classification Plan, Pay Plans, Collective Bargaining Contracts, Federal Merit Standards, the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, the Civil Rights Act, and other human resources guidelines derived therefrom.
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience with Upward Mobility Program policies, procedures, or other similar direct-paid education and training career advancement programs.
• Prefers extensive knowledge of higher education, education requirements, and degree programs. 
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience using complex computer systems, software, templates, and spreadsheets and instructing others in usage.
• Prefers one (1) year professional experience presenting and communicating to diverse audiences both verbally and in writing.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS

• Requires one (1) year of professional experience in evaluating participant education, training, and experience using established criteria to make appropriate grading decision to determine participate eligibility for position titles.
• Requires two (2) years of professional experience defining defensible grading criteria utilizing both internal and external sources as well as human resources best practices for use in the participant examining process.
• Requires two (2) years of professional experience identifying and evaluating inefficiencies in operational practices/procedures and recommending alternative procedures.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• 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 or weekends.
• Requires the ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
• Requires the ability to use agency technology/equipment (i.e., mobile phone, laptop, etc.) properly in accordance with information security awareness policies and confidentiality guidelines.

ABOUT THE AGENCY

Central Management Services (CMS) is the operational engine working behind the scenes to enable the State's more than 60 agencies, universities, boards, and commissions to deliver efficient, reliable service to all Illinois citizens. The Agency's mission is to support the State by delivering innovative, responsive, and effective services that provide the best value for Illinois State government and the people it serves.  Among the services CMS provides are human resources facilitation; benefits programs for employees, retirees, and local governments; property and facilities management; diversity initiatives for public contracting and State employment; joint purchasing support; vehicle oversight and support; surplus property programs; print and electronic communications services; and administrative hearings coordination.  

STATE OF ILLINOIS BENEFITS

As a State of Illinois employee, you receive a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans. 
• Flexible work schedules (when available and dependent upon position). 
• 10-25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment). 
• 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year. 
• 3 paid personal business days per year. 
• 13-14 paid holidays per year dependent on election years. 
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave. 
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System. 
• Deferred Compensation Program - voluntary supplemental retirement plan. 
• Optional pre-tax programs - Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP). 
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility. 

For more information regarding State of Illinois Benefits follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

If this opportunity appeals to you, please apply today!