UPWARD MOBILITY PROGRAM COUNSELOR

POSITION SUMMARY

The Illinois Central Management Services (CMS) agency is seeking to hire a Human Resources Representative position 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 resource benefit programs, and a working knowledge of the postsecondary education process. We strongly value excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate to program 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 direction, performs a variety of counseling tasks including duties which are creative, evaluative, interpretive, and analytical while applying professional judgment and knowledge for the Upward Mobility Program (UMP).
• Prepares Upward Mobility Program documents such as Participation Verification Agreements, Career Development Plans, and Examination Forms by typing applicable information and sending out to applicants and/or participants.
• Updates individual records in UMP computer system using data from Career Development Plans, reports, participant correspondence, and Career Services reports/correspondence.
• Provides guidance and assistance to agency UMP liaisons, participants and participant supervisors, and the educational community regarding Upward Mobility Program policies, procedures, and education requirements.
• Serves as backup support for the UMP hotline when needed.
• Assists the UMP Manager with the directing and training of new employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required 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 and one year of professional experience, preferably human resources, or satisfactory completion of an approved training program.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS

• Requires extensive knowledge of working in a fast-paced customer service or telecommunications environment.
• Requires one (1) year of professional experience using Human Capital Management (HCM) software, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook, or similar software applications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prefers extensive knowledge of working in a fast-paced customer service or telecommunications environment.
• Prefers one (1) year of professional experience using personnel systems, Human Capital Management (HCM) software, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook, or similar software programs.
• Prefers one (1) year of professional experience building and maintaining work relationships with both coworkers and the public in a congenial and polite manner.
• Prefers one (1) year of professional experience in ensuring digital and physical information is consistently structured, easily retrievable, and properly archived.
• Prefers experience from attending college or one (1) year of professional experience working within higher education institutions.

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 and weekends.
• Requires 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.

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

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!