VENDOR BACKGROUND SYSTEM SPECIALIST (UMP)

Position Summary

Do you have background checks experience? How about working within a security related field? The Illinois Department of Central Management Services Bureau of Property Management is seeking to hire a Vendor Background Specialist within its Statewide Security Management Administration team. This position will be located at 4800 W. Wabash Ave. in Springfield, Illinois. This position is responsible for reviewing vendor and contractor background paperwork for accuracy and completeness and entering necessary information into the CHIRP (Illinois State Police – ISP) system. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to collaborating with Facility Managers to ensure paperwork is completed correctly and reviewing the monthly ISP statement for accuracy and submitting to the Statewide Security Administrator for final review. The ideal candidate has experience working in and with computer systems such as Microsoft Office and recommending policy and procedural changes in a professional capacity, along with strong attention to detail, organizational, and communication skills. We invite all qualified candidates to apply!  

Position Essential Functions

• Under general direction of the Statewide Security Administrator, functions as a Vendor Background System Specialist for the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) owned and managed facilities.
• Coordinates the process of vendor/contractor background check tasks.
• Performs administrative support functions for the Security Management Office including, but not limited to retention schedules, correspondence with outside agencies, and end user contact information, as well as serves as a backup for maintaining badging supplies, badge mailings, and the Records Retention Officer.
• Maintains the authorization list of individuals clearing background checks for the ability to provide services to CMS owned and managed facilities.
• Provides training on completing background check forms and guidelines for CMS and other agencies, boards, and commissions statewide.
• 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 two years of secretarial/business college and one year of office experience, or completion of high school and three years of office experience, or three years of independent business experience.
• Qualifying state employees, in the employee Upward Mobility Program, may complete combinations of specific proficiency tests and training programs leading to a certificate of proficiency in lieu of the stated requirements for this classification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience with background checks in a security administration or compliance function.
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience working with computer systems and software applications such as Microsoft Office Suite products (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience recommending changes to policies and procedures and implementing those changes.
• Prefers extensive knowledge of office practices and procedures.
• Prefers working knowledge of programs, rules, and regulations in a public or private organization.

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 travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires a valid driver’s license.
• 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.
• 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.

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 State of Illinois’ central operational support agency, the team that keeps government running smoothly behind the scenes. We provide the essential services that enable more than 80 agencies, boards, and commissions to serve the people of Illinois effectively. As the backbone of state operations, CMS delivers high‑quality, reliable, and forward‑thinking services that help government programs work efficiently and meet the needs of residents statewide.

Our vision is to be the trusted partner dedicated to the success of the State of Illinois through service, optimization, and inclusion. Our mission is to be the accessible agency that delivers essential, effective, and efficient services to State agencies and the people of Illinois. Our core values are: Trusted, Strategic, Effective, Innovative, Responsive, and Inclusive. Through strategic leadership CMS plays a vital role in strengthening the effectiveness of Illinois State government.

CMS provides a broad portfolio of statewide services through specialized bureaus such as: Administrative Hearings • African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission • Statewide Benefits • Communication and Information • Diversity and Inclusion • Fleet Administration • Labor Relations • Operational Excellence • Statewide Personnel • Property Management • Strategic Sourcing • Surplus Equipment Control.

CMS also operates internal service bureaus that support our agency’s own effectiveness and efficiency, including: Internal Audit • Finance and Management • Government Affairs • Human Resources • Legal Services • Strategic Transformation.

Professionals who join CMS become part of a mission‑driven organization committed to continuous improvement and public service excellence. CMS offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful statewide initiatives, collaborate with skilled and talented colleagues, shape strategic improvements across Illinois government, and support the operational foundation that allows state agencies to better serve the residents of Illinois. CMS is a place for people who want to their work to matter; where innovation, service, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.

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