Skill Advancement Coach - Child Welfare (4002)

Position Information

Posting Detail Information

Working Position Title Skill Advancement Coach - Child Welfare (4002) Classification Specialist Position Number 00004002 Open Date 07/23/2026 Close Date Priority Review Date 08/13/2026 Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Temporary FLSA Exempt Job code 1650SPS04 Union Representation Non-Union Union Code N/A Unit/Department Psychology College/Unit College of LA&S Dean Division Academic Division Location PM 409 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://www.niu.edu/clas/psychology/index.shtml

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

The Skill Advancement Coaching (SAC) Program supports the Child and Family Service Plan (CFSP), the SAFE Model, and the coaching fidelity model. Northern Illinois University will provide implementation and coaching support to DCFS for the Skill Advancement Coaching Program.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the DCFS Director of the Office of Research and Child Well-Being, the Skill Advancement Coach provides structured, skill-based coaching to supervisors and other staff across DCFS/CWCA. This role strengthens supervisory capacity, improves team performance, and promotes alignment with DCFS values, well-being goals, and implementation science principles. The coach supports supervisors in applying trauma-informed, family-centered, evidence-based and evidence-informed approaches, translating strategic leadership into actionable development plans.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Coaching and Skill Development

• Provide individual and group coaching to supervisors and other targeted audiences, focusing on leadership, communication, reflective practice, and problem-solving skills
• Support supervisors and other assigned staff in applying trauma-informed, family-centered, and evidence-informed practices with their teams
• Develop and implement coaching plans based on observed supervisory and targeted audiences' strengths, skill gaps, and professional development goals
• Monitor and track progress toward leadership development objectives, adjusting coaching strategies as needed

Reflective Practice and Mentorship

• Provide reflective support to supervisors and other assigned staff, helping them improve decision-making, team management, and staff development practices
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, feedback, and accountability among supervisory and other staff

Education and Transferring Skills

• Ensure supervisors and staff are equipped to coach and guidance to their teams effectively
• Identify ongoing professional development needs for supervisors and other assigned staff, and recommend resources or learning opportunities

Program Alignment and Collaboration

• Collaborate with ORCW leadership and program teams to ensure coaching aligns with DCFS vision, well-being goals, and implementation science practices
• Support integration of coaching into DCFS designated program initiatives, including EBI/EII implementation and strategies

Evaluation and CQI

• Collect and analyze outcomes of supervisory and assigned staff coaching to assess impact on supervisory effectiveness and team performance
• Contribute to CQI processes, recommending improvements to coaching strategies and support systems

Other Duties as Assigned

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

n/a

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

n/a

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

n/a

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

n/a

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

• Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology, public administration or related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in child welfare (case work, supervision, mental health treatment provision to families involved in child welfare, work associated with child welfare), or related fields. A Masters Degree in social work, human services, psychology, public administration or related field can substitute for one (1) year of experience in child welfare. A clinical license (LCP, LSW, LCPC, LCSW, LMFT, Clinical Psychology) can substitute for two (2) years of experience.

Additional Requirements (SPS)

None

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

• Master's degree in social work, human services, psychology, public administration or related field.
• Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Psychologist.
• One (1) year of experience providing staff development, coaching, mentoring, training, or leadership development.
• One (1) year of experience supervising others in a clinical or child welfare setting.
• Two (2) years of experience conducting counseling, psychotherapy, or assessments for families involved with IDCFS.
• Certification in Motivational Interviewing.
• One (1) year of experience working with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
• One (1) year of experience working as an IDCFS Investigator.
• One (1) year of experience working as a Permanency Worker.
• Child Welfare Employee License.

Physical demands/requirements

None

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 9/16/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date 06/30/2027 Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours 8:30 am to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday, one-hour lunch Salary $65,000.16 - $73,500.00 annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $2,708.34-3,062.50 semi-monthly Earn Type Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

For full consideration, please visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/94159 to submit the following materials by 8/13/2026:

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter - Please include your interest in employment with NIU and how your previous experiences position you for success in the role for which you are applying.
• Current Resume
• List of Three Professional References
• Unofficial Transcripts (official transcripts will be required within 30 days of start date)

Applications submitted after8/13/2026 are welcomed but will be considered as needed.

Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/94159 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services Building Room 230

TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu

815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
• List of at least 3 Professional References

Optional Documents

• Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).